Community Engagement & Impact
Through this health equity initiative, the ADA and Genentech are working alongside community partners to identify and remove barriers to eye care and drive change in local communities and health systems.
main content start
Health Equity
Removing Barriers to Eye Care
Working alongside community partners to prevent vision loss.
Take the Pledge to Get an Eye Exam
Thanks for taking the pledge and committing to getting an eye exam. To find diabetes resources in your area, like medical care, search ADACommunityConnection.org
Despite advances in screening, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes-related eye conditions, many people–particularly those in underserved communities–still need help accessing care. Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in people 18–64 years old. African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino, and older adults living with diabetes are at higher risk for losing their vision or going blind.1 Comprehensive eye exams play a crucial role in the prevention, early detection, and intervention of eye disease and vision loss caused by diabetes, yet many in these communities either don’t receive or don’t have appropriate access to eye health care. Learn More about the program’s three main pillars.
Know Your Risk
Change your future. One quick, simple test can help you understand if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes or diabetes-related eye disease.
Know your Risk
Retinopathy Risk Test
Calculate your future risk of diabetic retinopathy and take better decisions today for your health.
Know your Risk
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test
Change your future. One quick, simple test can help you understand if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Stories from Pilot Program in Birmingham, Alabama
Our organizations are committed to making health care equitable for all. The program is beginning with a pilot focused on supporting the African-American community in Birmingham, Alabama.
ADA Eye Health Equity Summit
Eye Pledge
Why Birmingham
Did You Know?
A variety of factors can cause disparities in diabetes-related eye disease, impacting patients from underserved communities.
Higher risk of losing vision
African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino, and older adults living with diabetes are at higher risk for losing their vision or going blind. By the time many of these people are seen by a retina specialist, their condition has progressed to a more advanced stage.2
2.3 times higher visual complications
Racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by diabetes-related retinopathy (DR) and DME, and 2.3 times more likely to develop significant visual complications from diabetes.3
Receive less eye care examinations
African Americans are less likely than non-Hispanic/Latino whites to receive any eye care examinations.4
Advanced stages of DR
African American and Hispanic/Latino people with DR are more likely to present at advanced stages of DR with a poorer prognosis.3
Lack of understanding of DR
The lack of screening examinations for African American and Hispanic/Latino people includes a lack of understanding of DR and the importance and accessibility to treatment; including patient, physician, and institutional barriers.3
Eye-Related Resources
View and download our online resources and pdfs.
eye health
5 Steps for Eye Health
Print to share resources and 5 steps to eye health in your community.
Eye Health
Eye Health FAQ
Read these FAQs to better understand the connection between diabetes and eye health.
Eye Health
Importance of Eye Exams
Annual eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your eyes and help prevent future vision loss.
Eye Health
Eye Health Resources
Diabetes-related eye disease, prevention, and treatment resources.
Health Equity
Health Equity at the ADA
Putting people first is what the American Diabetes Association does.
About Us
Take Charge of Your Diabetes & Eye Health
Knowledge and community are key to thriving with diabetes despite complications that may come our way. Most importantly, early detection by a professional could save your vision.
About Us
Vision Loss and Diabetes
How to detect and treat vision loss from diabetes-related eye disease.
Here's How You Can Join the ADA in the Fight
new
Ways to Contribute
Participate in a fundraising event or become a monthly donor. Discover the many ways you can impact the lives of millions with your giving.
new
Social Platform
We uplift people with #diabetes, break down barriers to care, and fund research. #WeFightDiabetes
Genentech–Health Equity Now Partner
Banting Circle Elite Support
Genentech is an Anchor Partner of the American Diabetes Association Health Equity Now Initiative. The initiative will bring together local partners and grassroots organizations to increase awareness about diabetic eye health in communities with the highest disease burden. Our shared goal is to empower people with diabetes by identifying and removing barriers to eye care that can save their vision.
- Racial and ethnic minorities are two to three times more likely to develop significant visual complications such as diabetic macular edema than white patients and black men are twice as likely to die from diabetes compared to their White counterparts.
With the ADA we are increasing awareness about diabetes and eye health, and addressing health disparities in communities with the highest disease disparity.
References
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/diabetic-eye-disease
- Barsegian A, Kotlyar B, Lee J, Salifu MO, McFarlane SI. Diabetic Retinopathy: Focus on Minority Populations. Int J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0027968421002364
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022). Diabetes Data and Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/index.html. Accessed April 16, 2023
Give Today and Change lives!
With your support, the American Diabetes Association® can continue our lifesaving work to make breakthroughs in research and provide people with the resources they need to fight diabetes.