James’ story

The importance of attending your diabetic eye screening appointments

James attended his Diabetic Eye Screening appointment in 2017; his eyes were healthy with only slight background diabetic retinopathy in his left eye and James was placed on an annual recall.

James’ eyes in 2017

Unfortunately, over the next few years James failed to attend his recommended diabetic eye screening appointments. The main reason he gave for not attending, was that he felt his vision was fine, so he presumed he wasn’t having any problems and therefore decided not to attend when he was sent is invite letter.

In 2023, James eventually did attend his diabetic eye screening appointment, only because he felt his vision had deteriorated and he was concerned that he couldn’t see as clearly. Unfortunately, he had encountered severe diabetic retinopathy changes to his eyes and needed to be referred urgently to Hospital Eye Services. James underwent laser treatment to help preserve the vision he still had left.

James’ eyes in 2023

Diabetic Retinopathy does not usually affect your vision until it has reached an advanced stage, so early detection, diagnosis and treatment is crucial to keeping your eyes healthy, looking after your vision and preventing sight loss - this is why attending your recommended eye screening appointments are so important and an essential part of your diabetes care package.

The above pictures show what normal vision looks like and what vision that has been affected by diabetic retinopathy looks like.

Unfortunately, we do have patients who, like James, have not attended their recommended eye screening appointments for various reasons including they felt their vision was fine, so therefore presumed their eyes were healthy and they decided not to come. The purpose of attending your recommended screening appointment is to catch any signs of diabetic retinopathy in its early stages before it starts to affect your vision.