Blood sugar control issues continue to be a problem in 2025. These issues are viewed as systemic, whole-body issues, but the impact they can have on the eyes means that eye care professionals (ECPs) must be able to properly and successfully care for this patient type. Dorothy Hitchmoth, OD, FAAO, ABCMO, ABO Dipl., and EyePromise Scientific Advisory Board member, shared a few reasons why she believes fellow ECPs should focus their efforts on blood sugar control management.

For the Patients

By focusing on caring for this growing population of patients, you can provide a necessary and critical service for eye and overall health. Specifically, here’s what Dr. Hitchmoth sees as the benefits for your patient base:

Help Curb a Growing Epidemic

With the prevalence of blood sugar control issues increasing, the demand for specialized eyecare follows this trend. ECPs can become front-line guardians against this pervasive health concern by bringing in the latest protocols and updating in-practice management and solutions. Dr. Hitchmoth recommends monitoring both structural and functional visual systems to get “the full picture” and provide the best care for patients. In turn, it can help boost your practice’s reputation.

Help Correct Health Disparities

There are inevitable disparities within blood sugar control, as Latinos/Hispanics and African Americans are at a higher risk of developing. These populations also tend to be underserved in healthcare, leading to an even stronger need to make an intentional effort to provide not just adequate, but proficient care. As Dr. Hitchmoth stated,

“Health equity is everyone’s responsibility, and the need for [blood sugar control-focused] eyecare services is pronounced.”

Begin to Elevate Standards of Care

This growing patient population not only deserves doctors who know how to help them, but they deserve to have access to the latest care protocols to help with their blood sugar control issues. Dr. Hitchmoth suggests utilizing OCT and ERG to measure structural changes, better identify patients with blood sugar control issues, and track their progress more accurately.

Additionally, you can measure functionality with the Zx Pro™ macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurement device from EyePromise. MPOD tends to be lower in patients struggling with blood sugar control issues, and their visual functions like contrast sensitivity also diminish. The Zx Pro can provide a fast, direct ocular measurement of the protective pigment responsible for enhancing visual functions like contrast, acuity, glare recovery, and light sensitivity. The device uses the tried-and-true heterochromatic flicker photometry measurement method, and it’s been proven accurate and repeatable.

Learn more about the Zx Pro MPOD measurement device.

Beyond measuring their visual function, you can also help improve it and protect long-term vision with EyePromise® DVS. EyePromise DVS is a clinically proven eye health nutraceutical expertly designed for patients with blood sugar control issues. Without impacting normal blood sugar levels, DVS can help:

• Increase MPOD
• Improve color vision
• Increase contrast sensitivity
• Improve peripheral vision

Learn more about EyePromise DVS.

For the Practice

There are several benefits for the practice, as well, that Dr. Hitchmoth notes in her article.

Supply and Demand

With the rising number of patients with blood sugar control issues, the demand for service rises with it. Therefore, providing the critical care sought by these patients can provide your practice with a new revenue stream.

Differentiation

Patients with blood sugar control issues will be looking for an eye care practice that can cater to their specific needs. By adding these more focused care protocols to your practice (and to your website so patients know), you’ll stand out among the others in your area.

Long-Term Patient Relationships

Blood sugar control issues are a life-long concern. By providing the services necessary to care for these patients, you’re creating a life-long relationship with said patients, opening more opportunities to help them and expand the care they’re receiving.

Collaborative Care Team

Seeing patients with blood sugar control issues means you must work with a team of healthcare providers. Together, you can share data, information, and suggestions for setting the patient up for the best chance of success.

Reimbursement Potential

Dr. Hitchmoth explains that ECPs can receive fair reimbursement for utilizing diagnostic tools. Because there’s a national commitment to reducing the rates of blood sugar control issues, the coding is less restrictive for necessary testing.

In 2025, Dr. Hitchmoth urges her colleagues to take a more direct and focused approach to blood sugar control issues. To learn more about bringing in the Zx Pro and DVS from EyePromise, have your local Regional Account Manager contact you today!