Diabetic screening

Why is it important

Diabetic retinopathy is the major cause of visual impairment among adults in the Western world. In the UK, more than two million people have been identified as having diabetes and latest projections suggest that there will be more than three million people with diabetes by 2010.

Diabetic Retinopathy Screening enables people with diabetes to be screened for early signs of the disease, resulting in a reduction in the number of people who develop diabetes-related blindness.

Early detection through screening greatly improves the success rate of treatment. Around 90% of patients who receive treatment will continue to lead normal lives.

Am I eligible for screening?

This is a free service, offered to anyone with diabetes aged 12 and over commissioned by your local Primary Care Trust (PCT) and arranged by your GP. By December 2007, screening will be offered on an annual basis.

The NHS in England and Wales is working with both private and public sector organisations to achieve this.

Many Specsavers stores are able to offer this service on the high street. In association with 1st Retinal Screen Ltd, one of the organisations assisting PCTs in offering Diabetic Retinopathy Screening, those PCTs using 1st Retinal Screen’s service will now offer patients the option of visiting their local Specsavers store for screening. Patients will be able to select the date and time of their appointment for their convenience.

If you would like to know more about this service and your eligibility, you should consult your doctor - they will be able to advise you and arrange an appointment for screening, if required.

How does it work?

Screening takes approximately 30 minutes. You will first be given an eyesight check (visual acuity), then dilating drops will be placed into your eyes to enable the screener to obtain high-quality photographs. Two photographs will be taken of each eye using a digital fundus camera and the images reviewed by ophthalmologists using specialist equipment. Your screening results will then be sent to you.

The screening is aimed specifically at diabetic changes and does not replace the need for regular full eye examinations.

For further information on 1st Retinal Screen, please contact:

1st Retinal Screen,
Bradwall Court,
Bradwall Road,
Sandbach,
Cheshire,
CW11 1GE

Tel: 01270 765124
Fax: 01270 765078