DiabeteSuffolk.com
Our Services
Eye Screening Service
- How will my eyes be screened?
- What happens on the day?
- What do I need to bring with me?
- What happens after the test?
- When will I know the result?
- What does the photograph look like?
- When will screening take place at my local surgery?
- For further information
How will my eyes be screened?
We will bring a special digital camera to your doctor's surgery, or a local venue to photograph the back of your eyes. This equipment produces an instant image of your retina (light sensitive membrane at the back of your eyes), on a screen.
What happens on the day?
The
camera is bought along to the eye screening venue in a special van and is set up by
our eye screening team. Please note the eye screening will take place in your
doctor's surgery or alternative venue and not within the van itself.
In order to obtain a good image, it is necessary to dilate your pupils with eye drops. After approximately 10 minutes, two images will be taken of each eye. Your eyes will be examined and your sight tested on a reading chart. The whole screening procedure will take about 30-45 minutes.
What do I need to bring with me?
If you wear glasses, please bring with you your usual pair spectacles. Dilating the pupils lets in more light to the eye and you may also like to bring a pair of sunglasses to wear for comfort in bright light following dilatation of your pupils.
What happens after the test?
The eye drops can make your vision slightly blurred for up to four hours. It is best that you do not drive during this time. Try to avoid driving to your appointment. On rare occasions, you may experience some discomfort in your eyes after administration of the eye drops. If after six hours you are still experiencing pain or discomfort, you should contact your GP. At evenings or weekends, contact you local accident and emergency department.
When will I know the result?
After the screening your images will be further checked by an eye specialist. The result will be sent to your doctor. Arrangements will be made for you to attend an eye clinic if necessary.
What does the photograph look like?
Photo courtesy of DESS
When will screening take place at my local surgery?
Please go to the following page: Eye Screening Schedule
For further information please contact:
Richard Dewhirst
Diabetic Eye Screening Service
West Suffolk Hospital
Hardwick Lane
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 2QZ
Tel: 07789 932804