Research/Projects

We must understand health disparities in diabetic retinopathy from a population perspective. Our lab uses large databases to identify characteristics of the population with diabetic retinopathy and risk stratification for diabetic retinopathy screening. We use electronic medical record data to determine, which patients are at highest risk for diabetic retinopathy as a way to focus our resources on those with the highest risk of blindness

Blindness from diabetic retinopathy is preventable. Nonetheless, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-aged people. Our lab engages community members to work together to find solutions. Screening and treatments work, but people are still going blind. We partner with the Center for Research and Engagement, Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ, and Project Access-New Haven to engage our communities to get better solutions.

Our team developed an informational video on diabetic retinopathy using research, qualitative interviews with retinal specialists, and patient input. Watch the video on YouTube.

The field of implementation science is the science of putting our scientific discoveries into practice in the real world. Treatments discovered fifty years ago are established methods to keep patients from going blind. Yet, diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of blindness in the US. Our work facilitates access to sight-saving treatments for patients that need it.