Annual Eye Tests

[efernandes]

Last week I went to Boots for my Annual Eye check (I am T2 aged 50). After the test I was told by the Optician that she didn't need to see me annually and to come back in two years' time. She even wrote "recall every two years" on my notes and also on the form she gave me (the form was a new prescription for new specs). When I questioned her she was quite evasive saying my eyes weren't too bad and she just didn't need to see me for another two years. Not being satisfied with her answer, I then questioned the staff on reception about this and they said that this was a new thing for diabetics and if your eyes are deemed 'ok' or 'no immediate complications' then patients were not called back every year, but every two years so in other words, scrapping the Annual Eye Test for diabetics.

Has anyone else come across this? I'm a bit concerned as we all know how important annual eye tests/checks for diabetics are!! Is this another way of saving money?

 

[novorapidboi26]

the diabetics at my clinic, both 1 and 2 attend an eye screening centre, which is booked through the clinic..........

even if you attend your GP for your care you should still be going to a proper screening clinic, where they can take high resolution images of your eyes and get them viewed by specialists........

some opticians are good, but I don't think they have the right equipment........

if its possible I would inquire about it.......

 

[efernandes]

Yes that's true; there is (1) a mobile eye clinic which parks at my GP's. This is an annual appointment and they put drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils and take photo's of your eyes, etc. Then we also have (2) annual eye checks at the opticians and it's this one I'm referring to. My optician will now only see me every two years not annually as previously arranged. I was just wondering if any other diabetic has recently been told they need to visit the optician every two years and if this is a nation-wide thing.

 

[catherinecherub]

The retinal testing should be yearly but it is rather a grey area about the NHS eye tests.

This article from NHS says
If you are concerned about your sight before your next NHS sight test is due, you should visit your ophthalmic practitioner. The ophthalmic practitioner will be able to carry out an NHS sight test earlier than planned, if it is considered clinically necessary. If you want a sight test more often than your ophthalmic practitioner considers clinically necessary, you will have to pay for a private sight test.

How often can I have a free NHS eye test?
http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1093.aspx?CategoryID=68&SubCategoryID=157

 

[cold ethyl]

I've just had one at opticians and was told to come back annually but I do also have family history of glaucoma so am in a few at risk groups.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. Diabetic retinopathy screening should be done at a hospital clinic and not a typical optician; Boots should have told you that. Although opticians have some very good equipment these days, retinopathy screening involves having eye drops and should be done annually. Your GP or hospital clinic should have setup clinic appointments

 

[McMittens]

I attended my annual eye test recently too and was told the same thing by my optician - that I only needed to be seen every 2 years? It's the first time I've been told that and she said as long as I attended my yearly retinopathy test - which I do - then I only need to be seen every 2 years at the opticians??

 

[poohtiggy]

the diabetics at my clinic, both 1 and 2 attend an eye screening centre, which is booked through the clinic..........

even if you attend your GP for your care you should still be going to a proper screening clinic, where they can take high resolution images of your eyes and get them viewed by specialists........

some opticians are good, but I don't think they have the right equipment........

if its possible I would inquire about it.......

Hi. Diabetic retinopathy screening should be done at a hospital clinic and not a typical optician; Boots should have told you that. Although opticians have some very good equipment these days, retinopathy screening involves having eye drops and should be done annually. Your GP or hospital clinic should have setup clinic appointments

I have my annual screening at my opticians not at a hospital clinic which has never been mentioned. They use dilation drops and photography

 

[cairnlady]

I too have my annual screening at Opticians which is one listed by the Health Authority that covers this area. The do the drops and photography and send it electronically to the Hospital who then send me a letter saying yes, fine, another check in a year. Also have eyesight check at same appointment each year.

 

[Wellingtons Dog]

strangely enough I've just come back from the opticians and despite having no problems or family history of eye problems I was told to come back yearly.

this is in addition to my proper retinal screening.

post code lottery perhaps?

 

[beardie]

My doctor told me if I felt something was wrong to just make an appointment with the optician. I phoned them and told them the situation. They said no problem even though it is only 5 months since last check. They gave me a form to sign saying I was diabetic (which I still was at the time ) and that was it.

 

[eddie1968]

You are entitled to a free annual eye test if you are diabetuic and don't be fobbed off with opticians and receptionists, same applies to glaucoma and other conditions. I get my eyes checked annually from my optometrist who has no problem and also retinopathy screening through the NHS.

 

[PepperTed]

I have always been told yearly for general eye tests.

I go six monthly for retinopathy but that's because I have background retinopathy that they want to keep an eye on.

 

[ck18]

I had my eyes tested in August last year at Boots and was told I needed annual checks, but like a previous person who'd commented, I also have a family history of Glaucoma.

 

[cyclist]

There are 2 types of eye tests

1 is screening for diabetic retinopathy, the other is your regular eye test (if you wear glasses)

Diabetic eye screening does not look for other eye conditions

You should be tested yearly for diabetic retinopathy and at least every 2 years for your regular eye test