Diabetes Eye Screening
This film features real voices of genuine patients.
“I was 16, and I was walking into a shop, and I was looking at something and I thought I felt a blur on my eye.
So I thought that’s not clearing.
When I shut the other eye I thought there’s something there on my eye.”
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in people of working age and is increasing in the elderly generation.
“People living with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, which is a condition that effects the blood vessels of the retina, and can lead to sight loss and blindness.”
“I really like seeing nature, and it would be kind of scary to lose that.”
“The consultant said I might lose my sight and then I wouldn’t be able to see my children.”
“I want to be able to see them grow old.”
“You don’t realise how reliant you are on your eyes because eyesight is a precious thing.”
“It’s scary, I don’t really want to go blind”
“It has a huge impact on my life. If there was a miracle cure, I would jump at it.”
“The problems I’ve actually got will get worse. They’ve said it could also lead to blindness if it’s not dealt with.”
The NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme is a free service which aims to reduce the risk of sight loss through early detection, appropriate monitoring and effective treatment.
“Go and get yourself tested, there’s no other way.”
“The screeners put you at ease and that’s it. You listen to what they tell you, then you can’t go wrong.”
“They’re very welcoming, very kind and very nice.”
“They’re good, helpful and they’re direct.”
“The longer you leave it, the worse the problems will get.”
“My biggest fear about being diabetic is losing my sight completely. So that’s why it’s important to come and have your eyes screened, to prevent that happening.”
“Please go and get it done.”
“Put your blindfold on, get out of bed, and you’ll see… what it’s like.”
“There isn’t a reason, not to attend. You’ve got nothing to lose by attending, but everything to lose by not.”
“The eye screening has helped to save my eyesight.”
Find your nearest clinic at www.essexdesp.co.uk/all-venues
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.
To minimise the risk of this happening, people with diabetes should:
- ensure they control their blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol
- attend diabetic eye screening appointments – annual screening is offered to all people with diabetes aged 12 and over to pick up and treat any problems early on
Diabetic retinopathy does not usually affect your sight until changes are advances. Annual screening is an effective way of preventing sight loss caused by diabetes.
Find out more about diabetic retinopathyWho should be screened?
Screening is an effective way of detecting diabetic retinopathy as soon as possible.
All patients aged 12 and over, with a diagnoses of diabetes should participate in the diabetic eye screening programme. This is the best way to ensure that risk of losing your sight is managed.
The screening test involved examining the back of the eyes and taking photographs. Depending on your result, you may be advices to return for another appointment a year later, attend more regular appointments, or discuss treatment options with a specialist.
How can I access screening?
Everyone with diabetes who is 12 years old or over is invited for eye screening once a year. If it’s been more than a year since your last test and you have not had a letter, you can contact your GP practice or optician.