PEOPLE in the district with diabetes are being urged to take-up the offer of annual eye screening.

The plea has been issued after it was revealed that a large number of patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes do not currently attend appointments.

Matthew Cheshire, communications and engagement officer with the West Riding & Craven diabetic eye screening programme, says screening can help prevent sight loss.

He adds: "The screening is a free NHS service available for anyone aged 12 or older who is diagnosed as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic.

"Anybody with diabetes is at risk of damage from diabetic retinopathy, which is when the small blood vessels at the back of your eye – the retina – are affected. If left untreated, it can lead to eyesight complications.

"Regular eye screening checks your retina for any signs of diabetic retinopathy and can detect the condition early, before the patient notices any changes to their vision. We can then manage any follow-on requirements that may be needed.

"It is important to keep your eye screening appointments when invited.

"In most cases, patients are screened once a year; those with more advanced retinopathy are screened more frequently.

"The appointment takes no more than one hour from start to finish. An hour a year isn’t a lot to ask when it could mean the difference between good vision and reduced vision.

"We would really love to see patients, who have not attended for over 12 months, back in our clinics. Our job is to care for our patients' vision – we can only do this if patients come and see us.

"There might be newly-diagnosed diabetics who have received an invite to attend one of our clinics but are reluctant to come along. To these patients I would say we have a lovely team of screeners who will explain everything upon your arrival and put you at complete ease.

"It’s a very straightforward appointment but one that is so important. It really could save your sight."

Appointments need to be booked in advance.

Patients can call 01274 396900 or alternatively book online at appointments.eyehosted.net/WRC. A pin number, which can be found in the invitation letter, will be needed.

For details of screening locations, visit neccare.necsws.com/your-local-provider/west-riding-craven/#locations or call the appointments phone number.

Patients who require further information or have any queries should email miul.wrcpatientengagement@nhs.net or go to the website neccare.necsws.com/your-local-provider/west-riding-craven/#contact_provider.