BOSTON -- Joslin Diabetes Center has launched a new affiliation program designed to bring Joslin's world-class vision resources to local communities across the United States and beyond. The first Joslin Vision Network(TM) (JVN) affiliation is with Koch Eye Associates in Warwick, R.I.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most significant complications of diabetes. The problem is compounded because the disease is asymptomatic, especially in the early stages when it is most treatable. Missed or inadequate care can lead to devastating results. But with early detection and appropriate treatment, vision loss can be prevented.

"Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States, and yet most patients do not get recommended care," said Alan M. Jacobson, M.D., Senior Vice President, Joslin Strategic Initiatives Division. "By creating the JVN Affiliate Program and partnering with leading organizations such as Koch Eye Associates, we can bring Joslin's proven techniques in managing eye disease to the millions of Americans across the country at risk for losing their vision from diabetic retinopathy."

The JVN is the only diagnostic retinal evaluation service offering patients a pain-free and non-dilated diabetic eye evaluation that has been validated against dilated eye exams by retinal specialists. The JVN is already in use at more than 35 federal health care sites in 15 states, and implementation is planned at the Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate in Bahrain.

"Our new Joslin affiliation allows us to offer world-class expertise to the estimated 100,000 people in Rhode Island with diabetes, and we are proud to be the first member of the JVN Affiliate Program," said Peter Koch, Chief Executive Officer, Koch Eye Associates. "The Koch physicians will care for our patients with diabetes-related eye disease, and we will collaborate with Joslin on research and care advancements."