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Vision Express retinal photos

Anyone with diabetes should get their retinas looked at once every 12 months, but it doesn't really matter where - opticians or hospital, whatever fits in best with other appointments and the local system - as long as optician / hospital and PCT all talk to each other. Recently, PCT wrote to me to ask me to go to an optician for digital retinal photography (not the one I attend for my annual sight and contact lens checks, where I am very happy) - I refused (by email, although finding a working email was a challenge!), saying it was inconvenient, as it would mean an extra appointment, and asking why the PCT could get copies of the digital photos taken at each annual review at hospital. Apparently hospital and PCT computer systems still can't talk to each other! Two appointments per year is quite enough - I don't want a 50% increase to three.
 
Hi,

I have my eyes tested every year at Boots opticians and when I last went he did the usual drops in the eye and look in but suggested that I go to another opticians and get my retinas photographed so they can check each year. I never got round to it and just after Christmas I received a letter from the hospital asking me to attend an appointment to have it done.

I went and did it and saw the results which was quite interesting. Am now told that they will do it yearly.
 
Hi

I haven't read all the messages on this but wanted to add my bit. I am disgusted they won't do a retinal scan of your eyes. How on earth can a specialist see the back of your eyes and inside etc etc, however good they are.

The NICE guidelines are extremely clear. Anyone over the age of 12 has a retinal scan every year at their annual review. How can this be misinterpreted. Silly people (not you, the doctor).

Lots of us think that it would be 'Anyone over 12 years old or who has been diagnosed over 5 years should have a retinal scan at the annual review'. For example my daughter has been diagnosed for 8 years and is only 8 years old and our local hospital won't check her. We are under another holiday in London who will scan her eyes but it's time consuming adding another journing to London so thought we would get it done locally. No chance!! Stubborn medical team (and stupid) where I live. I have taken my daughter to the local opticians who do retinal scans it cost ?7 and will continue to do so even when she reaches 12 as it is instant and friendly and you get the results explained.

Adrienne :)
 
Hi Adrienne,

Alex has an opticians appnt next week and we asked his DN about pictures etc and she said he doesnt need til he is 12 (he is10) so i assumed we didnt need to worry until then? So would an optician be happy to test an under 12? Thanks. Bev
 
Hi

Yes absolutely, opticians will do a retinal scan happily. How long has your son been diagnosed though? Sometimes they blow some air or even liquid into your eyes to take the scan. It can leave you wobbly as the eyes could be a bit blurry afterwards. The opticians I found only used the solution if they needed to, it depends on how big the pupil is apparently. My daughter was ok and didn't need it.

I happened to have one done on Sunday actually (not diabetic) and I had just air blown in mind and it doesn't hurt at all.

If your son is newly diagnosed he probably won't need scans yet but as they are quite cheap (?7 for my daughter) then I would always be safer than sorry!

Adrienne:)
 
Hi Adriene,

Only diagnosed 12 weeks ago. Do you think thats too soon? Bev
 
I reckon that frequency of digital photos and when to start, is a topic to ask your diabetes team about.
Children tend to develop type 1 diabetes so quickly, that treatment is started before complications can occur. However, there may be an argument for a baseline photo. Equally, it might be better to leave it for a while, as the child is having enough appointments, missing enough school etc. (Slightly off-topic, but I got a snowball in my eye as a 12 year old, and missed an entire term of Classical Studies lessons [it was an unusual comprehensive school], because appointments were always on Monday mornings. I would have been far more upset to miss Science, Maths, PE, Metalwork or Woodwork!) Protecting eyesight is vital, but it's helpful when appointments can be fitted in around school and parents' timetable.
Adults can have had undiagnosed diabetes type 2 for many months or even years, during which complications, including retinopathy could have started - so they need to be screened, and treated, if necessary.
Adults who develop type 1 diabetes or LADA fall between the 2 patterns of diagnosis / disease development.
 
Hi!

Just booked a photo for him - costs ?15- but i would rather have a 'base' photo for future reference - its surprising that we have to pay just because they are under 12 - cant eyes be damaged under 12?

Nearly all of his appointments are after school - as i dont want him missing too much. Bev
 
Hi Bev,

After thirteen years of type one, my eyes are only just begining to show signs of wear and tear. However, it is a good idea to have some of these photos done so you have something to compair against for future reference.

Tom H
 
Hi Tom!

Sorry to hear you have problems with your eyes . Forgive my ignorance - but is it because your levels have been too high in the past or is it inevitable that a diabetic will suffer problems with their eyes? Bev
 
Since becoming diabetic (10yrs now) I have had my eyes checked every year at the diabetic unit at my local hospital. When I went to get my eyes checked for my yearly one with the optician at Specsavers, this year they also took a retinal picture. The optician said that I still have to go yearly for my screening at the hospital.
 
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