Eye check every 2 years?

[Lilly]

Hi All Tynep 1 diabetics I was told because last 2 eye checks where ok.Then I cannot have eye check reviewed until every 2 years.

 

[helli]

Hi All Tynep 1 diabetics I was told because last 2 eye checks where ok.Then I cannot have eye check reviewed until every 2 years.

Hi @Lilly
This has been the case in some areas for a few years.
I guess they have done the cost-risk analysis and decided it is unnecessary expense to test everyone with diabetes every year, especially when they have a history of no issues.

 

[mashedupmatt]

Hi @Lilly - after my last one they said I didn't need another for 2yrs - commonplace now by all accounts

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I think this change is rolling out gradually @Lilly

I suppose, looking on the positive side, it shows that they think your diabetes management is keeping your risk of developing diabetes retinopathy pretty low

 

[Sharron1]

Hi All Tynep 1 diabetics I was told because last 2 eye checks where ok.Then I cannot have eye check reviewed until every 2 years.

I am T2, but also told next test would be in two years, as I am considered low risk. That isn't good enough for me, I have an annual blood, foot test , now they have included LFT for diabetics etc so why not eyes? I spent ages looking for an optician who would dilate the pupils. In the meantime I had a photo of my eye taken which I was assured was the best way to check for any problems. I was also told the reason why the NHS do not use these machines is because they are too expensive. TBH I don't know what to think, but I believe it is ridiculous to have eyes checked every two years.

I did manage to find an optician who would dilate the pupils and I will be making an appointment with him later this year.

 

[SB2015]

I was told that I would be called for an my eye test every two years, but that I could still get one annually if I had any concerns. Like many things it may vary in different areas.

 

[Felinia]

I was also told the same thing at my last diabetes eye test. But I'm also tested annually for glaucoma, my private optician (progress of cataracts) and this year by the DVLA. Eyes dilated and photos taken. Each said, any concerns and I can request a test - this is the most important advice. So I'm happy with my eye monitoring.

 

[Sharron1]

I was told that I would be called for an my eye test every two years, but that I could still get one annually if I had any concerns. Like many things it may vary in different areas.

You are lucky After reading your post I phoned the Screening Service to see if I could get an eye test this year. Absolutely no way, I have now been put on a two year cycle for recall. Back to plan A - the optician

 

[saffron15]

I haven't had an eye screening yet. I was called in November the date a couple of days after my cataract op. I've postponed to April. Had second op on Thursday and am on loads of drops. When I go back to the hospital I'm going to ask if the scans I've had are the same as the diabetes ones. I noticed my latest consultant for uveitis has authored a study suggesting eye screening for many type 2 may be a bad use of resources. It seems to be along the lines many type 2 are diagnosed around 70 and won't have problems for at least 10 years post diagnosis. I think he is probably in his late thirties.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

You are lucky After reading your post I phoned the Screening Service to see if I could get an eye test this year. Absolutely no way, I have now been put on a two year cycle for recall. Back to plan A - the optician

Shouldn't be a problem just asking your optician.

Personally I'm fine relying on whatever the screening service decides. It's surely much more expensive treating more advanced retinopathy than it would be screening so they catch it earlier, and they have decades of records so can presumably make an accurate judgement that 2 years is fine for people who have no signs of retinopathy (presumably R0M0).

 

[JJay]

The letter following my last test said “Evidence shows that if you are found not to have diabetic retinopathy after two successive screenings, you can safely be screened every two years”

Also “If you notice any changes to your eyesight, contact your local optometrist or optician straight away. Do not wait for your next screening appointment”

Seems pretty straightforward to me.

 

[grovesy]

I am sure I read the Retinal Screening Service is going to be introducing the scans to the Screening Service.

 

[helli]

I am sure I read the Retinal Screening Service is going to be introducing the scans to the Screening Service.

Can you explain this comment?
Whenever I talk about "Eye screening" I mean " Retinal screening" so I may have been using the wrong terminology.
What do you mean?

(I am asking only because I think I have confused myself.)

 

[CliffH]

Hi All Tynep 1 diabetics I was told because last 2 eye checks where ok.Then I cannot have eye check reviewed until every 2 years.

It's been like that in Scotland for a while

 

[grovesy]

It was a post from my local NHS Retinal Screening Service, that the scans offered be the one that Specsavers offer for a fee.

 

[silver minion]

. I noticed my latest consultant for uveitis has authored a study suggesting eye screening for many type 2 may be a bad use of resources. It seems to be along the lines many type 2 are diagnosed around 70 and won't have problems for at least 10 years post diagnosis. I think he is probably in his late thirties.

Nice to see rampart ageism is alive and apparently thriving in the NHS. Plenty of us T2s diagnosed before 70, gleaned that from details of members on this forum without looking too hard.
Let's hope he doesn't get affected by any eye conditions in his later years.

 

[rebrascora]

@helli I was a bit confused by @grovesy's comment too. All I get at my retinal screening is a quick eye test, then drops in and photos taken of my retina. They had a new machine to do it this time but still just 2 photos of each eye. There is no scanning that I am aware of.

 

[saffron15]

Nice to see rampart ageism is alive and apparently thriving in the NHS. Plenty of us T2s diagnosed before 70, gleaned that from details of members on this forum without looking too hard.
Let's hope he doesn't get affected by any eye conditions in his later years.

I was impressed by him. He was better than my previous consultant. I googled him and found the research paper which seems to have used a huge cohort of diabetics. To be fair two of the other authors are older consultants who l have seen before. I have perhaps summarised it a bit unfairly. I think there is merit in the discussion. Given both my pupils are now unstuck I think I will try and get tested but not sure if treatment I'm now receiving for oedema may be a reason to postpone.

 

[Merluza]

I got one of those putting me on a 2 year cycle. I thought well here I am getting older and when I might think I need the care and the care starts to diminish. From what's been said here it's obviously not personal just part of the money saving exercise.

 

[Cazza64]

Mine are now every two years as previous ones have been ok