22/04/2026
Diabetic eye screening is an important part of diabetes care and helps protect your sight. Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss if not detected early. Screening checks for early signs before you notice any changes, meaning treatment can start sooner and help prevent serious damage.
If you have diabetes and are aged 12 or over, you will usually be invited for screening every 1β2 years. The test is quick and involves taking photographs of the back of your eyes to check for any changes.
Attending your screening appointment can:
β’ Detect problems early before symptoms develop ποΈβ¨
β’ Help prevent or reduce sight loss ππ©Ί
β’ Support long-term eye health as part of your diabetes care πΏπ
Even if your vision feels fine, itβs important to attend when invited. πβ¨
Learn more about diabetic eye screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/diabetic-eye-screening/