BNSSG Diabetic Eye Screening Programme

12/03/2026

Why do we use dilation eye drops during your appointment? 👁

They widen your pupils so we can capture clear images of the retina (back of your eye) to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy. Early detection protects your vision.

If you have missed your screening appointment, no matter how long it’s been, please contact us. If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support, we can help with that too.

📩 hil.engagementbnssgdesp@nhs.net
☎️ 0117 405 5000 or 0117 405 7923
💻 Or visit our patient portal where you can manage your appointments online http://portal.bnssgdesp.co.uk

18/02/2026

🌙 Preparing for Ramadan? Your Health Matters! 🌙

As our Muslim community in Bristol prepares for Ramadan, we are sharing this poster to support awareness. Whether you are fasting, not fasting, or preparing for Ramadan in other ways, your health and wellbeing remains a priority.
Please continue to attend your appointments, including eye screenings, as planned.
If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support, don’t hesitate to contact us.

📩 hil.engagementbnssgdesp@nhs.net
📞 0117 405 5000 or 0117 405 7923
Or visit our patient portal where you can manage your appointments online http://portal.bnssgdesp.co.uk

23/12/2025

It's been a busy year!! Merry Christmas from all at BNSSG Diabetic Eye Screening Programme 🎄

If you missed your screening appointment this year, don't worry, just contact us on 0117 405 5000 or visit our patient portal where you can manage your own appointments:
https://portal.bnssgdesp.co.uk

14/11/2025

Globally, 7 in 10 adults (412 million people) living with diabetes are of working age. This years theme is ‘know more and do more for diabetes at work’. At InHealth we are committed to fostering a supportive work environment for all our staff and those that may live with diabetes. This includes offering flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments – as well as a highly skilled and approachable leadership community who are available to offer help and guidance to make working with a condition such as diabetes, easier.

This , we're joining the call for better diabetes awareness, reinforced through our partnership with the NHS to support the roll out of the National Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP), now delivered across 19 locations across the UK, and supporting 2 million patients with diabetes. Attending your scheduled appointment is vital if you want to manage the condition. The routine check-up can help you spot and treat diabetic retinopathy early, which should prevent it from progressing to a stage where it’s more difficult to treat.

Get in touch with your local Patient Engagement Centre team or use our Patient Portal today to arrange an appointment that works for you. To find your local contact or Patient Portal details, take a look at our website here: https://www.inhealthgroup.com/diabetic-eye-screening/contact-and-locations/

If you want to better understand more of the signs of diabetes and assess your own risk, try out this online tool from World Diabetes Day: https://worlddiabetesday.org/type-2-diabetes-risk-assessment/

Look out for more from us and our teams, as we step out into the communities that we serve and encourage them to put their health first.

29/10/2025

Drop in event at Lawrence Hill Health Centre on 5th November! If you are registered with the Practice and have diabetes, please come along for your free health checks. No appointment needed.

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