Hi all. Newly diagnosed T1D here, about a month ago, with a HbA1c of 124 on diagnosis. Clearly had been diabetic for months without realising. I have had most of the required health checks done to ensure I did not do any damage with such a high HbA1C for god knows how long. The last think to check are my eyes. I mentioned getting an appointment to my DSN yesterday and she said I could just arrange it with any of the local opticians boots, specsavers etc... is that accurate? I was under the impression it had to be organised through the NHS and done in specialised NHS locations?
Thanks for your help in advance!
Hello Ian,
I was instructed by an Eye Surgeon several year's ago, that for a Diabetic Retina Screening you need to attend a hospital, or, Clinic, or, other medical practice that has the necessary equipment to undertake the appropriate examination, as they photograph the inner eye for Retina analysis, which these retail companies don't do specifically. These corporate companies such as Specsavers and Vision Express are not to be relied on to provide any type of Diabetic Retina Screening as they are only interested in getting you to purchase their products, which is a totally different ball game. There is no problem in going to these retail outlets for a bog standard eye test if you want to obtain spectacles, contact lenses, or, other similar items, but not for Diabetes tests, or, any other major eye health problems, such as Glaucoma, etc, etc. The results of your tests need to be added to your medical records over the years, by the acute hospital trust, or, other NHS body, retail companies will never have access to your records to do that.
It just so happens that I am attending my annual Retina Screening in late October and have my paperwork from my local Hospital to hand, it quite clearly states in the small NHS booklet that you are NOT to drive after the examination, in fact, the NHS staff will turn you away and refuse to undertake the screening if you are found to be driving alone, this also includes mobility scooters. If you have to return to work after your appointment you are also instructed not to operate any kind of mechanical, or, electrical machinery, as your eyesight will be fogged by the drops they put in and your vision will be impaired for between 2-8 hours, and it does sting a little when they put them in to start with, and this does last for a few hours afterwards, I have had 4 annual visits already with my Type 2.
Depending on where you live, of course, I would suggest you request from your DNS/ GP that you require a proper Diabetic Retina Screening appointment at your local Hospital's Dept. of Opthalmology, eye clinic, or whatever else they have available on the NHS.
It has been well known for some years for us patients that Screening is offered to anyone with Diabetes over the age of 12 on an annual basis, in the UK, I am astonished that as you are a Type 1 that this wasn't done for you as a matter of course.
May I also suggest that you get put into the Diabetes programme for your feet to be examined by a qualified Chiropodist, or, Podiatrist, as they are now called, this is absolutely essential for anyone over 55 year's old to have their feet checked annually for colour, blood circulation, lacerations, feelings in your toes, etc, etc.
All the best.
Steve.
