BNSSG Diabetic Eye Screening Programme

06/10/2025

During September 2025, a total of 1,077 people did not attend their eye screening appointment. This can be for a variety of reasons, including work & family commitments, transportation difficulties, health anxiety, or just forgetting in our busy lives!

If you have missed your eye screening appointment, no matter how long it's been, please contact us. We offer screening in various locations across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, so you can attend an appointment that's convenient for you.

📞 0117 405 5000 or visit our Patient Portal app 📲 where can mange your own appointments and view your results.
https://portal.bnssgdesp.co.uk

23/09/2025

It's National Eye Health Week! 👁️ If you have missed your screening appointment, no matter how long it's been, please contact us:

📞 0117 405 5000 to book a convenient appointment, or visit
👩‍💻Patient Portal https://portal.bnssgdesp.co.uk/ where you can manage appointments and view results.

22/09/2025

Today is the Autumn Equinox, and the official start of Autumn. 🍂
Autumn brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities for individuals with diabetes. The cooler weather, reduced physical activity, and seasonal changes can impact blood sugar levels and require adjustments to diabetes care routines. Here are some tips for managing diabetes during the autumn season:

Stay Hydrated: In cooler weather, dehydration can occur more easily, so it's crucial to drink plenty of water.

Monitor Blood Sugar: With cooler temperatures, blood sugar levels may fluctuate more significantly. Regular monitoring is essential.
Adjust Insulin or Medication: As temperatures drop, insulin or medication may need to be adjusted to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Incorporate Seasonal Foods: Autumn offers a variety of seasonal produce, such as apples, pumpkins, and squash, which can be included in a diabetes-friendly diet.

And don't forget to get your eye screening appointment! 👁️👁️ call our Patient Engagement Centre on 0117 405 5000 or visit our Patient Portal https://portal.bnssgdesp.co.uk

11/08/2025

In the warm weather, check out these tips for enjoying the sun and safely managing your diabetes.
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/hot-weather

Enjoying the sun is one of the things many people look forward to in the summer. But if you have diabetes, it can be harder to manage your blood glucose (sugar) levels in the hot weather.

18/06/2025

What a beautiful day 🌞 to be showcasing Diabetic Eye Screening at the annual Diabetes and Nutrition Conference!

13/06/2025

Next up, let’s talk diabetes and work. Fitting diabetes check-ups around work can be hard.

Appointments can be at inconvenient times or places, and it might not be easy taking time off. Perhaps you’re not even sure what reasonable adjustments you’re entitled to 🤷

In a recent survey, almost one third (31%) of people living with diabetes admitted finding it difficult to discuss taking time off work for medical appointments.*

When people are being refused time off work for appointments, or having to use their annual leave, it’s no surprise they're missing their checks.

Your check-ups matter❗ Discover your rights at work 👉: https://orlo.uk/nNDnL

06/05/2025

Stepping up for Parkinson’s UK: BNSSG DESP Team’s 5K charity walk!
On Wednesday 14th May, our dedicated BNSSG DESP team will be taking part in a 5K sponsored walk around Bristol Harbour in support of our Charity of the Year: Parkinson’s UK.
This walk is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a show of solidarity and a step toward real change. Parkinson’s UK is committed to improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s, funding innovative research, and providing essential support to individuals and families living with the condition.
Every step taken by the team contributes to greater awareness, vital research, and stronger support networks for those impacted by Parkinson’s.
If you are able to donate to the team, remember to tick the Gift Aid box to make your contribution go even further at no extra cost.

Show your support by donating to the team below

https://www.justgiving.com/page/bnssgdesp

14/01/2025

Leaflets about Diabetic Eye Screening are now available in 30 languages.

If English is not your first language and you need an interpreter for your appointment, please let us know 📞 0117 405 5000. We also can arrange a British Sign Language interpreter if you have an hearing impairment.

Ways to contact us:
📞 0117 405 5000
📩hil.engagementbnssgdesp@nhs.net or
Visit our patient portal https://portal.bnssgdesp.co.uk where you can manage your own appointments, change your contact details and view results.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/diabetic-eye-screening-description-in-brief?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=d63fde3f-4139-4d7b-bd5f-0b2c42052acc&utm_content=immediately

Information explaining the NHS diabetic eye screening programme.

13/01/2025

Every year, more than 1,300 people with diabetes have sight loss that could have been picked up and prevented.

That’s 25 people a week. (Source: )

If you have missed your screening appointment, no matter how long it's been, please get in touch. We have 28 venues across BNSSG so you can find one convenient for you.
Ways to contact us:
📞 0117 405 5000
📩hil.engagementbnssgdesp@nhs.net or
Visit our patient portal https://portal.bnssgdesp.co.uk where you can manage your own appointments, change your contact details and view results.

24/12/2024

What a year it's been! Our fantastic team has screened more individuals with diabetes living in the BNSSG area than ever before, and opened new venues improving accessibility for all.
Watch out for exciting new changes in the new year!
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to all our service users and stakeholders, with love from all at BNSSG Diabetic Eye Screening Programme 🎅🎄

18/11/2024

Do you know the symptoms of diabetes?

If you have any diabetes symptoms, it’s important to contact your GP and ask for a blood test for diabetes.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/symptoms

Are you worried that you, your child or someone you know may have diabetes?

14/11/2024

It's World Diabetes Day!! This year, is highlighting the voices of the diabetic community to open up a conversation around the impact of diabetes stigma and start changing the mindset. Diabetes is a complex serious condition, and oversimplifying what it means to live with diabetes, and why it develops, can contribute to harmful stigma.

BNSSG Diabetic Eye Screening Programme has marked the event by taking part in a patient education event hosted by which included some great topics from nutrition and wellbeing to the latest research.

If you have missed your screening appointment, no matter how long it's been, please get in touch.
Ways to contact us:
📞 0117 405 5000
📩hil.engagementbnssgdesp@nhs.net or
Visit our patient portal https://portal.bnssgdesp.co.uk where you can manage your own appointments, change your contact details and view results.