― What has changed for people at low risk of diabetic eye disease?
― Why has this change been made?
― What does ‘low risk of diabetic eye disease’ mean?
― Who is eligible?
― What happens if I’m pregnant?
― Will I always be called every two years?
― What if I develop eye disease between screening appointments?
― What if I notice any changes to my eyesight or I am worried about my eyesight between screening appointments?
― For more information
People who are at a low risk of diabetic eye disease will now be invited for screening every two years instead of every year.
Evidence shows that if no diabetic eye disease is found, it is safe to be screened every two years. This change will help us see people at higher risk
of diabetic eye disease sooner.
This change has been recommended by the UK National Screening Committee and Wales Screening Committee. It has already been made in Scotland
and Northern Ireland.
You are at low risk if your last two diabetic eye screenings found no signs of diabetic eye disease.
You will be invited for screening every two years if:
and
If you are pregnant, you will be screened more often. This is because you are at a higher risk of diabetic eye disease during pregnancy.
You will be invited for screening every two years as long as no changes are found at your screening appointments. If changes are found, you will be screened more often.
Evidence shows that if no diabetic eye disease is found, it is safe to be screened every two years.
If diabetic eye disease does develop in the two years between your screening appointments, it will be found at an early stage, when you will have the best chance of successful treatment.
If you notice any changes to your eyesight, contact your local optometry practice straight away.
Do not wait for your next screening appointment.
Website: phw.nhs.wales/desw
Phone: 0300 003 0500
Email: deswenquiries@wales.nhs.uk
You can contact us in Welsh or English. It will take us the same amount of time to answer you, whichever language you choose.