The IRIS scan quickly captures a
detailed image of a patient’s retina.
90 percent. The sight outreach program trains primary care
clinical staff members across the state to use the Intelligent
Retinal Imaging System (IRIS) to quickly capture images of
patients’ retinas.
“Patients with diabetes are supposed to get an eye evaluation
annually. However, in West Virginia, only about 60 percent
received eye care in the past year,” says William Lewis, M.D.,
family medicine physician at Harpers Ferry Family Medicine
and WVPBRN co-director. “This IRIS program removes barriers
to access that often prevent people from getting these exams
and can help us bring the best care possible to persons with
diabetes.”
The speed and ease of use makes the IRIS program convenient
for both providers and patients. During routine primary care
from the Community Care of West Virginia
Board of Directors and staff!
Rick Simon, CEO
WV Executive
Health Care Hall of Fame
Mr. Simon has overseen the growth of Community Care
of West Virginia (CCWV) for 26 years, helping it grow from
one location in Rock Cave, WV to 15 community health
centers, more than 50 school-based health sites, eight
pharmacies, and one dental office. CCWV has been
recognized nationally as a CMS Exemplary practice and
is a leader in the health care industry with its state-of-the
art Electronic Health Record system and team of
healthcare professionals who are focused on chronic
disease and behavioral health management and
measurable quality care outcomes.
(304) 924-6262
54
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
www.CCWV.org
visits in participating clinics across the state, providers take a
photograph of the patient’s retina. This finely detailed image
is then securely transmitted to a retinal specialist at the WVU
Eye Institute. The entire procedure takes less than five minutes
for most patients. After receiving the images, ophthalmologists
analyze them for any evidence of ophthalmic pathology and
deliver results directly to the patient’s electronic medical record.
The primary care providers also receive recommended care
plans and referral paths if indicated.
“IRIS not only helps us treat our patients’ eyes, it helps us
comprehensively treat the whole patient,” says Lewis. “If we
detect early-stage retinopathy, we know we need to be more
aggressive with the management of our patient’s diabetes.”
To date, more than 5,400 patients have been screened across
the 10 participating WVPBRN sites. Of those, approximately
21 percent had evidence of diabetic retinopathy. Moreover,
the IRIS scan detected other ophthalmic pathology such as
glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration in 28 percent of
scanned patients.
Valley Health Systems Continues Growth
of Services and Facilities
Valley Health Systems has continued to grow its health care
services in recent months with new and conveniently located
facilities in Charleston, Milton and Teays Valley.
“We invest in the communities we serve by offering high-
quality health care to Valley Health patients,” says President and
CEO Steve Shattls. “We consider health care to be one of the
cornerstones of a thriving population and a vibrant economy.”