11th October 2023
From October 2023, the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme will start screening people at lower risk of diabetic retinopathy every two years.
To be eligible for the change, a person will need to have had two consecutive eye screens showing no signs of diabetic retinopathy.
This change is based on a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee that it is safe to do so. This has already been implemented in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Diabetic eye screening is important as it helps to prevent sight loss. People with diabetes are at risk of damage from diabetic retinopathy and screening can detect this condition early.
If someone is concerned about changes to their eyesight, they should contact their optometrist or optician straight away.
Diabetic eye screening
Find out about diabetic eye screening, which can help spot eye problems caused by diabetes before they affect your sight