The National Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme, a Government-funded programme, offers free, regular screening and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes, to people with diabetes aged 12 and over.
Diabetic RetinaScreen aims to reduce risk of sight loss from diabetic retinopathy. To date, Diabetic RetinaScreen has invited over 160,000 people with diabetes to attend free screening (using specialised digital photography) at a local screening centre. Information is available at www.diabeticretinascreen.ie. If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and are aged 12 or over, find out if you are on the register at Freephone 1800 45 45 55. If you are on the register, you will be invited by letter to attend a free screening at a local screening centre.
Urging people with diabetes aged 12 and over to attend for screening Dr David Keegan, Clinical Director of Diabetic RetinaScreen said, “Regular retinal screening through Diabetic RetinaScreen will reduce the risk of sight loss among people with diabetes from untreated diabetic retinopathy, the commonest cause of sight loss in people of working age. The good news is that when caught early, treatment is effective at reducing or preventing damage to sight. Many have already taken part in Diabetic RetinaScreen. Those who receive an invitation are encouraged to avail of this important free, regular screening.”
All people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy may not have any symptoms and may not affect the sight until the condition is at an advanced stage. Regular eye screening, using specialised digital photography, can detect the condition at an early stage, before any noticeable symptoms or changes in sight. Any recommended follow-up investigation or treatment of diabetic retinopathy will be fully quality assured and provided free of charge as part of the programme.’’
Screening results will be provided within three weeks. A Freephone information line (1800 45 45 55) is available during normal working hours, Monday to Friday. Further information can be found at www.diabeticretinascreen.ie.
Diabetic RetinaScreen is part of the HSE’s National Screening Service
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