Details on the limitations of screening

Screening for diabetic retinopathy, like other medical tests, is not perfect. It does not find every abnormality in every patient. It is, however, very much better than not being screened at all!

Diabetes clinic

Very occasionally screening could miss some changes which would threaten your sight. No system is 100% perfect.

Diabetic eye screening is not designed to detect other eye problems, so you will need to see your optometrist for regular sight tests every one or two years. If you have any problems with your vision that you are worried about, don’t wait for your next diabetes eye screening appointment, but see your optometrist, GP or local surgery.

Looking after your diabetes and taking blood pressure treatment, if you need it, reduces the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.