Why should I be screened?
Diabetic eye screening is important as it helps to prevent sight loss. As someone with diabetes, your eyes are at risk of damage from diabetic retinopathy. Screening can detect the condition early before you notice any changes to your vision.
Who is invited for diabetic retinopathy screening?
All people aged 12 and over with diabetes (type 1 and 2) are offered eye screening appointments every year. The Lincolnshire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) invite a population of 47,500 for annual screening. All of the 28 strong team are accredited with the relevant NDESP qualifications.
Why should I take part in eye screening?
Diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of sight loss in people of working age. Screening is an effective way of detecting diabetic retinopathy as early as possible.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused when diabetes affects the small blood vessels in the retina of the eye. It may not cause symptoms until it is quite advanced and close to affecting a person’s sight and can cause complete blindness.
Where is screening carried out in Lincolnshire?
Screening is carried out in mobile units at GP surgeries and hospitals across Lincolnshire.
For disabled access information about the diabetic retinopathy screening department at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston please see our AccessAble accessibility guide.
For disabled access information about the diabetic retinopathy screening department at Grantham and District Hospital please see our AccessAble accessibility guide.
Failsafe
The Lincolnshire DESP has a robust failsafe system which helps ensure patients receive their appointments and treatment in a timely manner. The failsafe system tracks patients from the start of the pathway through to the end, even if referred to ophthalmology.
More information on diabetic retinopathy screening can be found on the NHS website.
Screening process in Lincolnshire
- You’ll receive an appointment through the post every year inviting you for eye screening
- If you can’t attend the appointment, please re-arrange for a more convenient time.
- Your GP will be kept up to date with your results and will write to you if you have not attended for screening. If you’re happy to be screened, you will be re-invited again.
Videos
Diabetic eye screening animation.
Suggested reading
For more information on diabetic eye screening please contact the administration team on 01205 445383 or email ulh-tr.desp@nhs.net.
Lincolnshire diabetic eye screening programme
Your guide to diabetic eye screening