Advanced
OCT Scan
Diabetic Screening
On the Wirral, as nationally, we have a diabetic screening programme.
Diabetes is the predominant cause of blind and partially sighted registrations in the working population, in the uk, at the current time.The prime aim of diabetic eye screening is to detect sight threatening retinopathy and hence reduce rates of blindness.
Both Dylan Barton MCOptom and David McGowan MCOptom have attained their City and Guilds qualification in Diabetic Screening and thus are able to screen patients.
The process is very easy and painless, and involves putting some drops into the eyes that dilate the pupils. Then after about 30 mins we photograph the back of the eye and examining for signs of diabetes. As the dilating drops leave the patient somewhat blurred, for safety reasons it is important that they do not drive to and for 3-4 hours after their appointment. We ask patients to bring current spectacles, a list of any medication and a pair of sunglasses or peaked cap if it is sunny !
Useful links for diabetes:
www.diabetes.org.uk
www.wirral.diabetesukgroup.org