Diabetic Eye Screening

Diabetic eye screening is a vital NHS programme offered to everyone aged 12 and over who has been diagnosed with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2). The screening specifically looks for diabetic retinopathy — a complication where high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye. Left undetected and untreated, diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in working-age adults in the UK.

The screening is different from a standard eye test. A trained screener takes high-resolution photographs of the retina after applying drops to dilate your pupils. These images are then graded by specialists who look for signs of damage to the blood vessels — from the earliest, symptomless stages through to more advanced changes that require treatment. If problems are found, you will be referred to a hospital eye clinic for further assessment and, if necessary, treatment such as laser therapy or injections.

You should receive an invitation for diabetic eye screening automatically once your GP has recorded your diabetes diagnosis. Screening is offered annually, though you may be invited more frequently if previous results have shown changes. It is absolutely essential that you attend every screening appointment — diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms in its early stages, and early treatment is far more effective than late intervention. This screening is separate from your routine optician's eye test, and you should continue to have both.