Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases

Methodist Hospital's Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases is located in The Bove Center, located in Methodist Hospital's Medical Office Building, 1st floor. The Division offers comprehensive care for patients with diabetes, obesity, thyroid nodules, goiters and disorders involving the thyroid, pituitary, parathyroid and adrenal glands. Our certified diabetes educator works with newly diagnosed diabetics to help them learn about self-care and diet management. Our experienced nurses also treat diabetic wounds.

Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
The Bove Center at Methodist Hospital now offers screening for diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. Screenings are performed twice a week.

Experienced technicians take pictures of the patient's eye using a high-resolution digital camera. In most cases, technology in the camera avoids the need for pupil dilation, making the exam quick and comfortable. Images of the patient's eye are then sent via the Internet for evaluation by board-certified Opthamologist Robert Sergott, M.D., at Wills Eye Hospital. Dr. Sergott has nearly 30 years experienced treating vision disorders.

Screening for diabetic retinopathy is essential to preventing, or limiting vision loss. Between 12,000 and 24,000 people lose their sight each year as a result of complications from diabetes. If caught early, doctors can offer medical treatments for the patient's eyes, delaying or preventing vision loss and decreasing the need for expensive surgical procedures. Screenings also help evaluate a patient's risk for glaucoma, another disease that is significantly increased in diabetics.

Appointments for screenings are usually available within one week. The screening takes up to 30 minutes and does not usually require dilation. Dr. Sergott's office sends results directly to your referring physician. To schedule a screening appointment, call 215-952-5054.

On the first and third Wednesday of each month, Methodist Hospital offers classes for patients with diabetes. For class dates and descriptions, click here.