Diabetic Screening

NHS England would like to remind practices that patients should be given a very clear message regarding the importance of attending their NHS Somerset Digital Retinal Screening Programme appointment.

We have been made aware that a patient with diabetes attended at a Somerset optometric practice and reported to NHS Somerset being told that it was not necessary to attend appointments with the Digital Retinal Screening Service. It is important for all patients with diabetes to participate in a systematic diabetic retinopathy screening programme which is monitored against a set of quality assurance standards.

Current Scheme

Information provided by the NHS England..

The Somerset Diabetic Retinopathy Programme has been officially running since January 2007. Along with the invitation for screening, patients receive a leaflet, which explains about the screening process. After screening many patients still had questions and there was important information, such as the need to continue to see an optician/ophthalmologist for their regular eye checks. A frequently asked question and answer sheet, which patients receive post screening had been produced and can be downloaded below. Any feedback on the scheme is welcomed and can be directed to Karen Bentley-Hollins, the Retinopathy Screening Programme Manager.

Contact details: 01278 432026

Patient Q&A Sheet

NHS Sight Examinations of Patients with Diabetes and/or Glaucoma

Following correspondence with the LOC, NHS England have agreed that you only need to notify a GP when:

  • the patient is presenting to a optometric practice for the first time
  • the results show a medically significant abnormality