Department of Nutrition Student Projects
Copyright Statement
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Submission Date
4-22-2026
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Master of Nutrition Science (MS)
First Mentor
Dr. Gabriela Chiriac, PhD, RDN
Second Mentor
Stephanie Petrosky, D.C.N., M.H.A., RDN, FAND, FNAP
Keywords
Diabetic retinopathy, type 2 diabetes, nutrition, optometry, prevention, eye care, interdisciplinary care, patient education, medical nutrition therapy
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of preventable vision loss among adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), driven largely by chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Despite strong evidence supporting the role of nutrition in modifying these risk factors, nutrition screening and counseling are not routinely integrated into optometric care. This project aimed to develop a practical, evidence-based framework to incorporate nutrition screening, patient education, and referral pathways into comprehensive optometric practice to support prevention and reduce the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy.
This project involved a literature review of peer-reviewed research and clinical guidelines related to T2DM, diabetic retinopathy, and nutritional interventions. Findings were translated into three clinical tools: (1) a brief nutrition screening tool to identify patients at low, moderate, or high nutrition-related risk, (2) a clinical decision-making workflow outlining screening, education, and referral processes, and (3) patient education handouts designed to support health literacy and reinforce key nutrition concepts. The framework was developed for integration into existing optometric workflows, with clearly defined roles for clinical staff and an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration with nutrition professionals.
This framework provides a clinic-ready model for incorporating preventative nutrition strategies into diabetic eye care. By using comprehensive diabetic eye examinations as an opportunity for early risk identification and patient education, this approach supports patient-centered care while strengthening coordination between optometrists and nutrition providers.
Integrating nutrition-focused interventions into optometric practice may enhance early identification of modifiable risk factors, support metabolic control, and ultimately help reduce the burden and likelihood or progression of diabetic retinopathy in adults with T2DM.
NSUWorks Citation
Juliana M. Varanelli. 2026. Implementing a Nutrition Screening, Education, and Risk Reduction Framework in Optometric Care to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy in Adults with T2DM. Capstone. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (46)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_com_nutrition/46.