On the issue of quality of medical care for patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Relevance. One of the most important modern medical and social problems is diabetes mellitus. Against its background, many complications develop, mainly as a result of damage to the vessels of the microcirculatory bed. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common and formidable complications of diabetes, leading to irreversible blindness. Early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment of retinopathy is an effective prevention of disability in patients with diabetes mellitus. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the quality of medical care provided to patients with diabetic retinopathy with the identification of further possible ways to modernize medical and organizational measures to prevent its complications. The methods used in the study were: analytical, statistical (calculation of extensive indicators), sociological (anonymous survey of ophthalmologists). The study found that there is a clear problem with low adherence of patients with diabetes to regular monitoring by ophthalmologists. In addition, ophthalmology offices are underequipped, as well as low availability of necessary drugs used as therapy for retinopathy. The data obtained during the study allow us to conclude that it is necessary to improve the organization of medical care and algorithms for managing patients with diabetes mellitus in order to reduce the risk of their disability.