Don't miss your diabetic eye screening
If you are living with diabetes, and you are aged 12 or over, NHFT's Diabetic Eye Screening team are inviting you to have your diabetic eye screening every 1 to 2 years. It's really important that you book your appointment because high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina - this is called diabetic retinopathy - and it can lead to sight loss if it's not treated early.
Having your screening means any changes can be spotted before damage occurs, so you can get treatment in time.
You can book your appointment today at desp.nhft.nhs.uk/home, call 03000 111 188 or find out more at www.nhft.nhs.uk/diabeticeye.
Diabetes and eye health
Around 5.6 million people are living with diabetes in the UK, and the number is rising, according to NHS estimates.
In Northamptonshire, according to Diabetes UK, the number of people with diabetes increased to over 42,000 in early 2020, which is about 1 in 18 people in the county.
This matters because diabetes is a leading cause of many serious but preventable health conditions.
Diabetes is one of the top 3 causes of sight loss in the UK. Every day, 250 people in the UK start to lose their eyesight and many of those people lose their eyesight because of diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic eye screening is an important part of diabetes care and can help prevent sight loss. Retinopathy often has no symptoms until the disease is advanced, and if left untreated it can lead to sight loss. This is why screening is so important, so that any damage to the eye can be spotted and dealt with.
In this video, Tracey, Diabetic Retinal Screener Grader, explains why it's so important to get your eye screening:
Meet our Diabetic Eye Screening team
Our diabetic eye screening team is a group of highly trained professionals who share a passion for protecting the eyesight of people living with diabetes in Northamptonshire.
The team are dedicated to the early detection of diabetic retinopathy.
Our team includes a specialist doctor, experienced screeners, graders, healthcare and administration staff who each have a vital part to play.
Becky, Diabetic Retinal Screener Grader, explains how patients are supported. She says:
"There is a team of people who will help you from the start by booking your appointments, and explaining how the service works, from the pre-screeners, screeners and then on to the grading rooms.
"We provide a vital link between the patients with diabetic retinopathy and the specialists in ophthalmology. That role is quite crucial, and it makes us feel proud that we are that link between those that need treatment very urgently and the specialists."
For more information about what happens during your diabetic eye screening watch this video:
The team takes pride in offering healthcare to people living with diabetes, supporting people to take control of their healthcare and wellbeing.
Tracey said: "Another reason it's so important to attend your diabetic retinopathy screening is peace of mind. To receive that letter saying there is no background retinopathy gives a real comfort to our patients. Half an hour out of your day is all it takes."
How to book a screening appointment
Everyone living with diabetes aged 12 or over is invited to an eye screening appointment every 1 to 2 years.
You can book your screening online here Log in | Online Portal | NHS
Or call the Diabetic Eye Screening Team on 03000 111 188
For more information visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/diabeticeye