Eye tests

I get my annual eyetests done at the opticians and my retinal screening at the hospital. I was told the retinal photography at the opticians is not nearly detailed enough for diabetics! And that was from the opticians themselves.
As for a diabetic register, ive never heard of that. But diabetics can apply for free prescriptions and the certificate for that i suppose would be proof enough for the opticians if they did the random NHS check for entitlement. As with prescriptions, you just tick the right box and its taken on trust. Ive never been asked to provide proof.

Err.. no. You also get a medical exemption certificate for five years if you have cancer and other chronic ailments. However I have never had to prove I have one for an eye test.

My nurse referred me to the specialist retinal screening service at the local community hospital. These people are based at the main hospital but go mobile to other places. I understand it is an official screening service, and once referred you stay registered with that service. They are then responsible for recalling you every year. Similar to the other screening services such as bowl cancer and mammograms. They are not opticians. They are doctors.
I wouldn't trust Specsavers or supermarkets.
In fact I won't even use Specsavers for my normal eye tests for glasses. I have had some poor prescriptions from there.

I've had annual retinal screening since I went on medication for type 2. A letter comes through, but since we've moved areas I've realised different health authorities do this differently. Where I used to live I was called to a clinic at my health centre. A specialist travelled round the area with all their equipment and called patients in when they were at their health centre.

Where I live now we get sent a list of approved opticians who we can make appointments with. Unfortunately my regular optician is not on the list and since they also do very thorough eye checks on me, I get a second annual check on my retinas with them (only they have some seriously posh, high-tech equipment). I certainly feel well checked these days!

bluejeans98 said:

Today I rang Specsavers to see about a free diabetic eye test. I have been with them for about 5 years now. I was told I could not have a free test until I get a letter to say I am on the diabetics register and It would also come with a PIN number. How long does it take to get the letter as I am heading into 6th week since being diagnosed as a Type 2. I have my card for free prescriptions. That came through very fast.

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Hi, I just told specsavers I was diabetic and signed the form, was never asked for a pin.