Diabetic eye screening in Scotland is a vital service offered to individuals aged 12 and over with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, aimed at detecting diabetic retinopathy early to prevent sight loss.
Diabetic eye screening (DES) is a test designed to check for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can occur when diabetes causes damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. This screening is crucial as it can identify changes in the retina before symptoms of sight loss occur. Early detection and intervention can significantly reduce the risk of severe vision loss or blindness.
The Diabetic Eye Screening Service recently installed an OCT scanner within the Diabetes Centre at Victoria Hospital. This scanner uses light waves to produce very detailed images of the eye which enables clinicians to detect fluid in the eye which causes damage to the blood vessels. Additional capacity for the service within Victoria Hospital has delivered significant beneficial effect for patients at risk, particularly those in the Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes areas, where higher levels of multiple deprivation increase the risk. This enables patients to be diagnosed closer to home, and have the most appropriate treatment without any delays, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes, which can have significant benefits for patients’ quality of life.
The OCT scanner will continue to be used to benefit the people of Kirkcaldy and the surrounding areas.
Dr Caroline Styles, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Lead for the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme in Fife prepared and submitted the large grant application to Fife Health Charity which is now delivering
Diabetic Eye Screening staff have reported positive feedback from patients who previously had to travel to Randolph Wemyss Memorial Hospital in Buckhaven for their screening appointments. Many were unfamiliar with the location and layout of that hospital, so being able to attend a more familiar site, where they already attend for their retinal screening, makes a big difference and they are very appreciative of this enhancement.
