Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of sight loss in the working age population. Regular screening allows early detection and treatment of retinopathy which is proven to be effective at stopping or slowing the progression of the disease.
The diabetic retinal screening service for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is commissioned by NHS England to provide annual retinal screening to anyone with a diagnosis of diabetes over the age of 12.
How to book
If you have a diagnosis of diabetes and are over the age of 12, including those in remission, you will be contacted annually to make your screening appointment.
However, you can call us to book an appointment on 0116 2583150.
When making your appointment we will need to ask some questions about your mobility and this will help us to advise you on suitable screening locations and appointment times to make your visit to us as easy as possible. Please let us know when booking your appointment if you will be using ambulance transport or have any specific needs as we have ‘quiet’ clinics, new patient clinics, late clinics and ‘language’ clinics.
- Once you have made an appointment, a confirmation letter and information leaflet will be sent to you. Please read the information leaflet fully as this explains the procedure in detail.
- Please note that due to the eye drops we use at your screening appointment we advise you not to drive for a few hours afterwards.
If you do not want to attend for screening you will need to complete an opt out form which can be requested by calling us on the number above. However, we strongly advise you to discuss this with your GP before making the decision to opt out.
What happens at your appointment
Please allow 45 minutes for your appointment.
Your screener will check your personal details and carry out a vision check which is why you are advised to bring any prescription glasses with you to your appointment.
Drops are put into your eyes to dilate your pupils, these will take up to 20 mins to work and are necessary as they help us to get good quality photographs. Once you have had the drops you will be asked to sit in the waiting room until the screener is ready to take your photographs.
You may find your vision becomes slightly blurred and you become more sensitive to bright light which will affect your ability to drive. These symptoms can last for two to six hours. Wearing sunglasses may help to reduce the symptoms. You will be given written details of the type of drops we have used, this includes a contact number if you have any concerns about the drops after your screening episode.
After approximately 20 minutes, your screener will call you back into the screening room and photographs will be taken. The camera does not come into contact with your eyes, you will just see a flash of light each time the photograph is taken. This light is bright but should not be uncomfortable.
As the photographs need to be carefully checked, we are not able to give out any results on the day. Your photographs will be sent to be checked by staff trained and accredited to national standards. All grading staff are subject to regular quality control checks.
You will receive a letter with your results within two to three weeks of your appointment date. If any diabetic retinopathy is identified and it is decided that a follow up appointment is needed, we will write to you asking you to call to make an appointment to attend the Leicester Royal Infirmary eye clinic, if the follow up is considered urgent you will be contacted by telephone and advised of this. Your GP will also receive a copy of your results.
Please speak to your screener if you have any concerns about the procedure.
Contact details
- Phone:
- 0116 2583150
- Address:
The Laurels
Glenfield Hospital
Groby Road
Leicester
LE3 9QP