British Association of Retinal Screening - BARS

22/05/2026

The sun is shining and the bank holiday is almost here ☀️

But with the rising temperatures expected, it's important to remember that if you're living with diabetes, it can be harder to manage your blood glucose (sugar) levels in the hot weather.

➡️ Here's some things to keep in mind: https://orlo.uk/ynkoH

We wish you a very sunny and safe heatwave!

11/05/2026

🎉 Excitement is building for the BARS OCT Workshop Middlesbrough 2026 👁️✨

We’re delighted to have support from industry partners including:
🔹 TOPCON
🔹 Sense Medical
🔹 Frost Optical

This full-day workshop will bring together:
📚 Expert presentations
🔬 Practical hands-on OCT training
💬 Interactive case discussions
🤝 Networking with colleagues and industry

📅 Tuesday 8th September 2026
📍 David Kenward Lecture Theatre, STRIVE
Academic Centre, The James Cook University
Hospital, TS43BW

Whether you’re new to OCT or looking to build confidence in interpretation and image acquisition, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive learning environment 🙌

🎟️ Spaces are limited!
👉 https://eyescreening.org.uk/conference

📌 Invoices can also be provided for NHS programmes/hospitals requiring a purchase order (PO) payment route.

Please share with colleagues and teams 📣

👁️ Frost Topcon GB Sense Medical Limited

27/04/2026

The Hollywood star shares the unseen struggles of preparing for this year’s London Marathon as a type 1 diabetic

24/04/2026

🎉 Bookings are NOW LIVE! 🎉

We’re excited to launch our BARS OCT Workshop – Middlesbrough 2026 👁️✨

📅 Tuesday 8th September 2026
📍 David Kenward Lecture Theatre, STRIVE
Academic Centre, The James Cook University
Hospital, TS43BW

Join us for a full day of:
🔬 Practical, hands-on OCT training
🎓 Expert-led sessions
💬 Case discussions & networking
🤝 Meet leading industry partners

Whether you’re a screener, grader, or clinician – this is a fantastic opportunity to build your OCT skills in a supportive, interactive setting 🙌

🎟️ Spaces are limited – don’t miss out!
👉 https://eyescreening.org.uk/conference

Please share with your colleagues and teams 📣

👁️

21/04/2026

The government has updated its guidance on using mobile phones in schools in England and there’s an important reminder in there about pupils with medical conditions.

While the guidance supports limiting phone use during the school day, some pupils need access, as vital tech like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and hybrid closed loops (HCLs) are linked to phones.

The guidance also reinforces schools’ existing duties to:

• make reasonable adjustments for pupils to avoid discrimination
• put arrangements in place to support pupils with medical conditions

We’re also engaging with the government to make sure that the needs of pupils with diabetes aren’t overlooked. The bottom line is clear. Schools should continue supporting pupils with diabetes to use their phones for diabetes tech. Because ultimately, managing a medical condition safely should never be treated like breaking the rules.

Read more here 👉 https://orlo.uk/phones-in-school_6h57a

27/03/2026

✨ The new BARS Chronicle is out now! ✨

Volume 14 is packed with exciting updates, including:
👀 Meet our new Co-Chairs
🤖 A fairer way to test medical AI
📸 Why camera testing matters
📚 New OCT training courses coming soon

Plus, a big thank you to Charlotte for her fantastic leadership as Co-Chair and exciting news as she steps into her new role as Treasurer!

Don’t miss it! have a read and let us know what you think 💬

https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/b4fd8ade-719e-410f-83b8-ec341fae58d0/The%20BARS%20Chronicle%20-%20Vol%2014.pdf

20/03/2026

16/03/2026

05/03/2026

Learn more about the different types of diabetes, their causes, treatments, how to handle being newly diagnosed, and how we can support you at DRWF.

10/02/2026

Congratulations to Samantha Mann, President of the British Association of Retinal Screening, on the publication of her review paper “Updates in the English Diabetic Eye Screening Programme” (2026) 📄👁️

https://www.nature.com/articles/s44440-026-00014-y.pdf

The paper provides a clear overview of recent DESP developments, including extended screening intervals for low-risk groups ⏳, refinement of the R2 grading pathway 🔍, and the introduction of OCT surveillance for maculopathy 📊. A timely and practical contribution for those working across screening, surveillance and hospital eye services.

👏 A great piece of work and a real credit to the retinal screening community.

30/01/2026

📣 Upcoming Free Webinar – 24 March 2026

Join us for the next UKISOP webinar, Leadership Beyond the Clinic: The Role of AHPs in Ophthalmology, taking place on Tuesday 24th March 2026 at 7 pm (GMT). This online session is free to attend and open to all allied health professionals working in ophthalmology.

This inspiring and practical webinar will explore how clinicians across ophthalmology are leading innovation, improving services and shaping multidisciplinary teams beyond the clinical setting. Whether you’re already considering leadership roles or just curious about what leadership could look like for you, this session offers valuable insights and practical takeaways to support your professional development.

🌟 Topics include:
• The unique strengths AHPs bring to clinical leadership
• Real-world examples of clinician-led service improvements
• Career pathways, opportunities and building confidence as a leader

👩‍⚕️ Speakers:
• Rebecca Turner, Ophthalmology Clinical Director (interim) & Consultant Nurse, Oxford Eye Hospital
• Lorraine North, Head of Ophthalmology Services & Strategy Lead, Frimley Park Hospital
• Joe McQuillan, Group Nursing Directorate, The Royal London Hospital

🔗 Register for free and secure your place at this inspiring online event. UKISCRS

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MZByQXf8STWACzVS90IGQg #/registration