One-in-8 referrals after eye tests for diabetes
When diabetic retinopathy is caught early treatment is effective at reducing or preventing sight damage.
The National Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme began at the end of February last year and is being introduced on a phased basis.
The Government-funded programme, called Diabetic RetinaScreen, is on target to complete the first round of diabetic retinopathy screening for people with diabetes aged 12 and over.
More than 120,000 people with diabetes have been invited to take part in the programme and about 50% have agreed to undergo testing.
Approximately 13% have been referred for further treatment through the programme.
By the end of the year, Diabetic RetinaScreen will have invited over 145,000 people with diabetes to attend free screening.
Diabetic RetinaScreen clinical director Dr David Keegan strongly urged all those with diabetes to ensure they are on the register and that they avail of the important, free and regular screening.
All people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
“Diabetic retinopathy may not have any symptoms and may not affect the sight until the condition is at an advanced stage,” said Dr Keegan.
He pointed out that any recommended treatment was fully quality assured and provided free of charge as part of the screening programme.
Diabetic RetinaScreen has been developed and implemented by the National Screening Service — which is also responsible for BreastCheck, Cervical-Check and BowelScreen.
For further information go to the website: diabeticretinascreen.ie
