retinopathy eye exam

[Genie10]

I've been diabetic for 15 years and every year so far I have had a retinopathy eye examination at this time of year. But not this year. I'm wondering if everyone has had their diabetic retinopathy exam cancelled or is it just in my area?

 

[Bruce Stephens]

It's happened all over the place: screenings have been postponed, with those deemed more at risk (those with changes in the last scan, for example) getting priority. (There's a longer term intent to do some screenings at longer intervals (2 years, say) but I think that's longer term.)

 

[Fagor]

It's two years since my last NHS retinopathy. But optician (seen yearly) also does what appears the same checks (appointment next week).

 

[helli]

It seems to vary. Most areas have at least had their retinal scans delayed and most seem to have prioritised those who have seen problems in the recent past.
Obviously, there are a few "most"s in that last paragraph but that is because every area/CCG handles diabetes differently.
But, I expect my next retinal scan to be more than 12 months after my last one.

 

[grovesy]

I have been diabetic for 15 years and every year so far I have had a retinopathy eye exam at this time. But not this year. Has everyone else had their retinopathy exams cancelled. Or is it just in my area?

It varies, I had an appointment for early April last year but doubted it would go ahead, it was duly cancelled before the date. Mine has been postponed to this year as I am classed as low risk as had no previous concerns flagged. There has been some talk of reducing low risk to two yearly anyway. My local screening has information on its website , it would be worth you checking.

 

[grovesy]

I have been diabetic for 15 years and every year so far I have had a retinopathy eye exam at this time. But not this year. Has everyone else had their retinopathy exams cancelled. Or is it just in my area?

You seem to have started to threads, you have now got replies on both!

 

[Anitram]

I have been diabetic for 15 years and every year so far I have had a retinopathy eye exam at this time. But not this year. Has everyone else had their retinopathy exams cancelled. Or is it just in my area?

I had my latest one 2 days ago, 17 months late.

 

[trophywench]

Mine was cancelled last year - April for me too I think - but before Xmas, I had an appointment come through for the 19th of this month ! - next Tuesday - and I haven't got or had problems, other than background retinopathy which after nearly 50 years with not always brilliant control constantly isn't (in my view) all that terrible!

They said when originally cancelling it would be till this year, so it was a nice surprise.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

You seem to have started to threads, you have now got replies on both!

I’ve merged them to keep the results in one place

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Genie10

This was shared on social media recently about the prioritising of screening restarts. Hope it helps

Diabetes Eye Screening - Covid 19 Restart

Lots of understandable worry about information regards retinal screening for people with diabetes during the coronavirus pandemic. Dr Rebecca Thomas and Prof Partha Kar created this info sheet based on Public Health England's guidance.

www.t1resources.uk

 

[trophywench]

I'm an R1 clearly - must be running out of pregnant ladies and the newly diagnosed !

 

[Lucyr]

I have mine next week, last one was May 2019 so 20 months ago if my maths is right. I’m in the high risk group due to retinopathy being a side effect of medication I take.

 

[grovesy]

I have mine next week, last one was May 2019 so 20 months ago if my maths is right. I’m in the high risk group due to retinopathy being a side effect of medication I take.

Can I ask what drug is that can cause Retinopathy?

 

[Becka]

My next screening will be at the start of February, a year after my last one.

But I guess I must be an R1, whatever that is, as I have had "some background retinopathy" since I was diagnosed, save for my second screening when I guess my eyes apparently had a very good year before deciding it was not worth the effort any more.

Are there levels of R, then, like with kidney disease? Though having to go out during shielding for the screening seems counter to trying to keeping the R down.

 

[grovesy]

My next screening will be at the start of February, a year after my last one.

But I guess I must be an R1, whatever that is, as I have had "some background retinopathy" since I was diagnosed, save for my second screening when I guess my eyes apparently had a very good year before deciding it was not worth the effort any more.

Are there levels of R, then, like with kidney disease? Though having to go out during shielding for the screening seems counter to trying to keeping the R down.

Yes they are different levels.

 

[Lucyr]

Can I ask what drug is that can cause Retinopathy?

Hiya. Ozempic has increased frequency of retinopathy as a side effect, and have to have extra eye checks because of that.

 

[grovesy]

Hiya. Ozempic has increased frequency of retinopathy as a side effect, and have to have extra eye checks because of that.

Thank you , I had not heard that before.

 

[Taffy67]

I've been diabetic for 15 years and every year so far I have had a retinopathy eye examination at this time of year. But not this year. I'm wondering if everyone has had their diabetic retinopathy exam cancelled or is it just in my area?

I have been waiting since Dec 2019 when my appointment suppose to be.

 

[grovesy]

I have been waiting since Dec 2019 when my appointment suppose to be.

You need to check with your local Diabetic Eye Screening service, mine has their own site with information.

 

[Genie10]

I've been diabetic for 15 years and every year so far I have had a retinopathy eye examination at this time of year. But not this year. I'm wondering if everyone has had their diabetic retinopathy exam cancelled or is it just in my area?

Thanks everyone. Lots of information here. I feel better about it now.