I had a diabetic eye assessment when I was newly diagnosed - just before Christmas. It was not painful and took place at the local hospital. 2 very nice 'nurses' put some anaesthetic drops in my eyes and let me sit for about 10-15 minutes, then when I went back in they took photographs of my eyes with a special camera. Not painful but the drops make your eyes less reactive to brightness and the do not recommend driving immediately afterwards. Indeed I had hubby to drive and it is useful to have some sun glasses to wear as even normal daylight was a little uncomfortable - it seems like bright sunshine. The effect wears off after about 2 hours and all was back to normal. They told me they do this annually to compare the photos and check for diabetic changes.
