How Does the JVN Work?

While a patient is being seen in a primary care physician’s, endocrinologist’s, or ophthalmologist’s office, a staff imager certified by Joslin Diabetes Center takes digital images of the patient’s retina using Joslin’s custom software and imaging hardware. The procedure is fast and pain free, and does not involve pupil dilation.

In addition to the patient’s digital retinal images, important risk factors that influence eye disease progression and care management are identified, including blood pressure and A1C scores (the average blood glucose measurement during the two to three months before the date the A1C test was taken). Key education material may also be presented to patients during the imaging process to help them understand how general diabetes management affects vision.

The JVN images and risk factors are sent to the JVN Reading and Evaluation Center at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston where clinicians expert in diabetes care evaluate the studies. Evaluation and care summaries are returned to the ophthalmologist or primary care physician within two business days. The Joslin team also identifies ocular pathologies other than diabetic retinopathy if observed.