Diabetic Retinopathy

The North Yorkshire NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme was introduced to reduce the risk of vision loss in people with diabetes. If retinopathy is detected early enough, it can be effectively treated using laser treatment. Otherwise, by the time the symptoms of retinopathy become noticeable, it can be much more difficult to treat.

Key Facts

• Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of sight loss in people of working age

• Diabetic retinopathy may not cause symptoms until it is quite advanced; this is why screening is important

• All people with diabetes are at risk of getting diabetic retinopathy

What we do

As a service, we offer a free retinal screening appointment  at least once a year to all patients within North Yorkshire and parts of East Yorkshirewho have a diagnosis of diabetes, are over the age of 12 years and most importantly are registered with a GP.

Screening is largely carried out in the patient own GP practices, however a small number of practices cannot accommodate the screening teams and patients from those practices are offered at an alternative venue.

By screening at least annually, we have the potential to improve quality of life through the early detection and treatment of diabetic eye disease.

• Patients are sent an invitation with either an appointment that has been made for them.
• An appointment is made and the patient attends one of the venues for screening
• The patient attends and is seen by the senior support worker and has vision checks and drops administered to dilate the pupils
• The patient has a minimum of 4 digital photographic images taken, 2 for each eye.
• The images are then reviewed by fully trained retinal graders.
• The images get reported on and the result is sent to both the patient and the Patients GP within one to two weeks.
• If any further assessment is required the patient will be referred to their local Hospital Eye Service

Accessing the Programme.

Patients must be registered with a GP practice covered by the North Yorkshire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme.

The GP is responsible for referring all diabetic patients registered with their practice to the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme.  It is very important that newly diagnosed patients are referred as soon as possible following diagnosis.

GP practice teams can contact the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme on 01904 726640.