Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world, yet it is largely preventable.
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is important to have your eyes screened annually by the diabetic retinal screening service at the General Hospital/Overdale. The staff there are highly specialised in diabetic eye diseases.
About 4,500 Islanders are living with diabetes and every year the Diabetic Retinal Screening Team carries out approximately 5,000 free screening checks. The checks involve taking a variety of 2D and 3D images of the back of the eye (retina) to look for diabetic changes.
Following the screening, if no diabetic changes are identified, the patient will be offered a repeat appointment in 12 – 24 months. However, if diabetic changes are found, the patient will be referred to the Eye Department for treatment or monitored in newly established Surveillance Clinics within the Diabetic Retinal Screening service.
Not only is the Diabetic Retinal Screening Clinic free to attend but it can also be offered in Spanish, Portuguese and Polish and, impressively, there is no waiting list involved. You can make an appointment by calling: 444590.
Regular screening can identify changes in your eyes before you notice any problems with your vision and treat the cause before your sight is threatened.
So, what are you waiting for? Protect your sight. It’s precious!
