COVID-19 UPDATE (November 2022)
The diabetic eye screening service is now running normally, and catching up with delayed appointments.
You do not need to re-refer patients into the screening programme, if their appointment has been delayed.
If you have any queries about appointments, please contact the DES (Lothian) office on 0131 536 4145.
Recent changes to the eye screening programme
NHS Scotland is in the process of implementing changes to the Diabetic Eye Screening programme.
The changes include:
- Change of name from Diabetic retinopathy screening (DRS) to Diabetic eye screening (DES)
- Revised screening intervals for people with diabetes at low risk of sight loss, with screening every two years, instead of every year. (R0 M0 in both eyes on two consecutive occasions to qualify for the revised interval.)
- Amended referral criteria for maculopathy, to include acuity of less than 6/9, and remove blot haemorrhage from the criteria. M2 is now defined as exudate within 1 disc diameter of the fovea AND acuity less than 6/9, and can be referred routinely.
- Introduction of Optical Coherence Tomography, (OCT), to the screening programme, for patients with above features only. ie NOT for patients with acuity of 6/9 or better.
All diabetic patients should ideally be seen within the eye screening programme.
However, if these patients are seen by their optometrist, then below is some guidance on management:
1. The Grading Scheme overall is unchanged:
https://www.ndrs.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Grading-Scheme-2007-v1.1.pdf
However, patients with signs of maculopathy that would fit M2 “referable maculopathy”, but good vision (BCVA of 6/9 or better) no longer need to be referred, but would be seen 12 monthly (if under photographic screening).
2. If there are new findings that may alter their photographic screening interval, then please notify the Lothian DES office: 3rd Floor, Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Chalmers Street, Edinburgh. EH3 9HA. (Tel. 0131 536 4145)
3. Proliferative retinopathy: Urgent SCI-gateway referral
4. Vitreous haemorrhage or retinal detachment: Immediate phone-call to the Eye Pavilion – ARC Triage (0131 5363751)
NHS Inform information on diabetic eye screening
More information on the screening programme can be found at:
Patient resources
Patient leaflets (including easy read, and other languages) can be found at:
