Birmingham, Solihull and Black Country Diabetic Eye Screening Programme

12/03/2026

🎉 Sensory Bags Now in Our DESP Clinics! 👀💙
We’re excited to share that sensory bags are now available in 16 of our clinics! 🧩✨
They include calming tools and sensory items to help make eye screening more comfortable for autistic patients and those with learning disabilities. 😊👐
We’re also always happy to make reasonable adjustments based on individual needs- just let us know how we can support you. 💛
📞 0121 387 5600
📧hil.engagementbsbcdesp@nhs.net

25/02/2026

✨🌙👁️ Our Ramadan DESP poster is now available!
Please feel free to share our new poster below which features information relating to the use of eye drops at diabetic eye screening appointments during the fasting period. 💛🌙✨

17/02/2026

🥞👀 Happy Pancake Day!
Try these diabetes‑friendly Perfect Pancakes from Diabetes UK
👉 https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/recipes/perfect-pancakes
Try topping with fruit or yoghurt for a healthier flip! 🍓✨

A flipping good recipe for pancakes - great with both sweet or savoury toppings. Serves 8 Prep 5 minutes Cook 25 minutes Nutrition informationEach 58g serving contains (excludes serving suggestion) KCal 73 Carbs 11.3g Fibre 0.5g Protein 3.5g Fat 1.3g (Low) Saturates 0.3g (Low) Sugars 1.8g (Low) Salt...

12/02/2026

Between your diabetic eye screening appointments, it’s important to keep up with the everyday habits that protect your long‑term vision.
✨ Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol within healthy ranges- these three factors play a big role in preventing damage to the tiny blood vessels in your eyes.
✨ Stay active, eat balanced meals, and take your medications as prescribed.
✨ Small daily choices add up, helping keep your eyes healthier between each screening appointment.
Protect your vision- one day at a time. 👁️💙

06/02/2026

💌 Can you help make Amelia’s birthday wish come true?
Amelia is just seven years old and currently in palliative care. Her biggest wish is to break the UK record by receiving 8,000 birthday cards for her 8th birthday. 💖✨
If you can, please take a moment to write her a card and send a little love her way. A small gesture from us could mean the world to her. 🎈💛

Amelia, who is on palliative care, hopes to break the UK record for most birthday cards received.

29/01/2026

👀🔍⚠️Your vision can feel fine but problems can still be developing👀🔍⚠️
Diabetic eye screening looks for early changes before you notice anything wrong. If you’ve received an invitation for diabetic eye screening, don’t put it off.
Need help booking? Get in touch:
📞0121 661 2220
📧enquiries.bsbcdesp@nhs.net

20/01/2026

👀 Harmless Eye Floaters or Something Serious?
Seeing small drifting dots/strands, as well as flashes in the field of vision is usually harmless and very common.
⚠️ However, seek an urgent opticians appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you notice:
• A sudden increase in floaters or flashes
• A sudden appearance of many floaters or flashes for the first time
• A dark curtain/shadow over your vision
• Eye pain or blurred vision
If you have diabetes, regular eye screening helps spot problems early.
🔗 https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/floaters-and-flashes-in-the-eyes/

08/01/2026

💙🧩📚🌟Our screening staff have now completed the Oliver McGowan Training on Learning Disability and Autism (Tier 2). This training is part of a national initiative led by the Oliver McGowan Foundation, created in memory of Oliver to ensure that health and care professionals have the right skills and understanding to provide safe, compassionate, and inclusive care for people with learning disabilities and autism.
This achievement reflects the Birmingham, Solihull and Black Country Diabetic Eye Screening Programme's commitment to improving patient experience and reducing health inequalities. Thank you to everyone who took part! 💙🧩📚🌟

02/01/2026

🎉✨ Happy New Year from BSBC DESP! ✨🎉
Wishing our patients and followers all the best in 2026. Thank you for your continued support. Here’s to another year of delivering high-quality diabetic eye screening services in the region! 💫

30/12/2025

Do you want to learn more about the latest innovations in T1D technology? 🔬

Join us on Tuesday 13 January 7pm to 8:30pm where we'll be exploring the latest scientific advances in T1D breakthroughs and exploring the community driven efforts that are shaping a brighter future for the T1D community. 💙

Sign up now ➡️ https://bit.ly/4j66uuc

19/12/2025

❄️✨ Feedback Friday! ✨❄️
We love shining a spotlight on the amazing feedback our patients share with us. Well done to our fabulous team! 💬💙☃️❄️

18/12/2025

🎄 Managing Diabetes During the Festive Season 🎄
Enjoy the holidays while staying on top of your diabetes with a few simple tips:
• Stay active- even a short walk after meals supports blood sugar control.
• Enjoy treats mindfully- moderation and small swaps help keep blood sugars steady.
• Consider checking blood sugars more often, as routines, food, and activity levels change.
• Stock up on meds & supplies before holidays when pharmacies close.
• Be aware of food–medicine interactions, especially with festive greens, cranberry products, and certain cheeses
• Try simple festive swaps like new potatoes, homemade berry sauce, or nutty parsley sauce to reduce spikes.
Wishing you a happy, healthy festive season! ❄️💙
🔗 https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/eating/christmas-food-and-diabetes
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/festive-foods-and-your-medicines-mhra-shares-advice-to-help-you-stay-safe-this-winter