Interprofessional Screening For Diabetic Retinopathy And Medication Adherence: Integrating Pharmacy, Optometry, And Nursing Services In Saudi Primary Care Settings

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of preventable vision loss among adults with diabetes mellitus, yet screening adherence and medication compliance persist as critical barriers to effective disease management. This systematic review examines the potential for interprofessional collaboration among pharmacy, optometry, and nursing services to enhance diabetic retinopathy screening and medication adherence in Saudi Arabian primary care settings. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to identify evidence-based interventions involving pharmacist-led medication reviews, optometrist-conducted retinal screenings, and nurse-coordinated care models. Findings indicate that team-based approaches significantly improve patient outcomes, increase screening attendance, and enhance medication adherence rates compared to traditional siloed care delivery. Barriers including limited integration of services, workforce constraints, and patient access challenges are identified as impediments to optimal implementation in Saudi Arabia. Evidence supports the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of incorporating community pharmacists, optometrists, and nursing professionals into coordinated diabetes care pathways. This review provides a framework for healthcare policy development aimed at establishing sustainable interprofessional models that address the dual challenges of diabetic retinopathy prevention and medication non-adherence within resource-diverse primary care contexts.