Science & Technologies Volume V, Number 1, 2015 Medicine 328 TAKING CARE OF VISION OF PATIENTS WITH DIABETES: COMPARISON BETWEEN HOSPITAL AND OUTPATIENT CARE *Kiril Slaveykov, **Maria Orbetsova, ***Ivan Tanev, **Liubima Despotova, *Kalina Trifonova, *Katya Peeva, *Stefan Vylkanov *Trakia University, Medical Faculty, Bulgaria, Stara Zagora, 6000, **Medical University-Plovdiv, Bulgaria, 4000 ***Medical Univeristy-Sofia, Bulgaria, 1000 Corresponding author: Kiril Stefanov Slaveykov, kirilslaveykov@gmail.com, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria ABSTRACT Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most often diseases of contemporary society. About 8,3% of elderly population is affected by it. Only in 2014 the disease caused the death of 4,9 million patients. The regular control and follow-up of patients plays a vital role in preventing its complications. Aims and tasks: Assessing the change of satisfaction and knowledge of patients after hospital admission. Methods and material: Anonymous questionnaires were handed out after examination of ocular fundi of patients with diabetes. Selected questions were thoroughly analyzed and compared. Results and discussion: Filled and fit for analysis were 21 questionnaires of hospitalized patients and 18 of non-hospitalized patients. The admitted patients have at least basic information concerning their disease in 76 % of cases compared to 55,5% of ambulatory patients. The satisfaction between the two groups is similar – 95% vs 94%. Conclusion: Only after the disease damages the patients’ organs and hospitalization becomes more frequent do the patient become interested in it. Keywords: diabetes, hospital admission, vision Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most often diseases of the contemporary society. About 8,3% of elderly population is affected by it. Only in 2014 the disease caused the death of 4,9 million patients. The regular control and follow-up of patients plays a vital role in preventing its complications. Patient s’ knowledge about the disease is one of the main factor contributing to compliance in treatment, early detection of negative consequences and seeking help in time. At the same time patient satisfaction levels are of upmost importance, since an unsatisfactory telescreening program could distance the patient and result in permanent damage which could have been preventable. The importance of patient satisfaction is established and all new technologies must adhere to its call. This becomes without any doubt more important when telemedicine is involved. The first studies about satisfaction level from telemedicine date back to 1999 when Holle et al evaluate the implementation and benefits of new information and communication technolgoies in biomedicine [2]. As Rani et al show patient satisfaction level with new technology is usually high especially when their vision is threatened [5]. Improved access, reduced cost and waiting time as well as quick examination and the ability to consult with a specialist even in rural areas are the main reasons for the excellent acceptance and high satisfaction level of new technologies. Paul et al focus their 2006 study on rural areas and report higher levels of satisfaction compared to city environment [4]. The difference is even greater in developing countries. A study from 2013 in Africa from Kurji et al reports limited or no access to specialized healthcare in most rural regions which is the