Reviewed on : 18 Aug 2021

Reviewed by : GP Gateway Editor

Expires : 18 Aug 2023

Diabetic Eye Screening

For all diabetic patients over the age of 12 years

Screening staff administer eye drops to dilate the pupil so the retina can be seen more clearly.

They then take digital photographs of the retina in each eye, followed by a 2 or 3-stage image grading process to identify signs of diabetic eye disease.

Screening staff send the results to the patient and GP within 6 weeks.

Screening does not replace regular eye examinations and patients should attend both.

The screening photograph is painless and the camera does not come into contact with the eye.

Eye drops may cause stinging for a few seconds and blurred vision for between 2 to 6 hours after the test.

Patients should not drive after their appointment.

Retinal Screening – has your patient missed an appointment for retinal screening? Phone the Retinal Screening Unit. They offer catch-up clinics for newly diagnosed diabetics and for people who missed a previous appointment.

Please note this service is only for routine screening.

Contact details:

Arden Diabetic Eye Screening Service