Diabetic Eye Exams at GBMC Health Partners Primary Care Locations

At GBMC Health Partners, we are committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care. As part of our continued effort to provide accessible healthcare, we are excited to offer diabetic eye exams at two of our primary care practices—GBMC Health Partners Primary Care in Jonestown and Owings Mills.

Diabetes can have a significant impact on eye health. One of the most concerning complications is diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. The early stages of diabetic retinopathy are often symptom-free, which means without regular eye exams, it can go unnoticed until the damage is severe.

Our new service provides an innovative solution to ensure patients with diabetes receive necessary eye screenings. Using advanced technology, these two primary care practices now offer diabetic eye exams with a RetinaVue camera. This camera captures high-quality images of the retina, allowing ophthalmologists in the GBMC Eye Center to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other eye conditions—without the need for dilation.

Traditionally, diabetic eye exams required dilation of the pupils, which can be uncomfortable and require extra time. For many patients, getting to the GBMC Eye Center, which is on GBMC’s main campus, for a dilated exam can be a challenge, especially those in the Jonestown and Owings Mills areas. The RetinaVue camera eliminates the need for dilation, making the process more convenient and comfortable.

While a dilated exam offers a more thorough assessment, the RetinaVue camera provides an excellent preliminary screening, allowing providers to detect potential issues and refer patients for further evaluation if necessary.

The impact of these eye exams extends beyond just diabetic retinopathy. By using the RetinaVue camera, our ophthalmologists have been able to uncover a variety of health concerns. One notable case involved a patient who came in for a routine screening with no symptoms, only for the exam to reveal swelling in the optic nerve. This could have been an indication of central nervous system issues, prompting further testing in the emergency room. In other cases, we've identified early signs of glaucoma and even undiagnosed diabetes.

If you're a diabetic patient or have concerns about your eye health, you can take advantage of this valuable service at our Jonestown and Owings Mills locations. If you're a patient at one of these practices, simply ask about diabetic eye screenings with the RetinaVue camera during your next visit. For a comprehensive eye exam, we encourage you to visit the GBMC Eye Center, where our expert ophthalmologists can provide a thorough evaluation.

By prioritizing these screenings, we can help you manage your diabetes more effectively and catch potential eye issues early, leading to better health outcomes and a brighter future. Contact us today to schedule your diabetic eye exam and take the next step in protecting your vision.