A new service offering eye screening for people who are living with diabetes in Bassetlaw was launched at Bassetlaw Hospital in April.
Diabetes is a condition that is increasing at a significant rate nationally and in Bassetlaw alone we have around 8000 people living with diabetes. Diabetic eye screening is an essential part of diabetes care checking for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to sight loss if not detected early and treated. Everyone aged 12 and over with diabetes is invited to attend for this screening once a year.
This new service is provided at two eye screening clinics one in the Diabetes Centre at Bassetlaw Hospital and one at Retford Hospital. Patients will receive an annual appointment letter through the post and can be screened at a location of their choice including Mexborough, Thorne or Doncaster if more suitable.
This screening service has been running in Doncaster since 2003 and now ensures that everyone living with diabetes in Doncaster, Bassetlaw and the Dearne Valley has the opportunity to attend this important screening.
Ingrid Thomasson, Joint Programme Manager for Bassetlaw Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, said, “We are delighted to offer this service to people in Bassetlaw with diabetes. This service provides us with an opportunity to enhance and strengthen the care we provide to patients in Bassetlaw, ensuring that people with diabetes receive their annual retinal screening, which in turn will help to prevent devastating complications such as blindness.”
To book an appointment with Doncaster and Bassetlaw’s Diabetes Eye Screening Team call: 01302 642596 or 01302 642597.