In 2007 Jonathan Cohen set up a diabetic retinal screening programme for South Camden in London with a group of local doctors. This scheme provided eye care for our local community until the national NHS diabetic eye screening programme was fully implemented.
These days at Zacks Eye Clinic in central London we still see patients with diabetes for detailed private examinations. We routinely take digital fundus photographs and OCT scans and provide reports for patients who are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. If you are enrolled on an NHS diabetic retinal screening programme, it is recommended that you should keep those appointments as well.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the commonest causes of blindness in the UK. At any one time up to 10% of people with diabetes will have retinopathy requiring medical follow up or treatment. Diabetes can also affect other organs and the presence and severity of retinopathy may be an indicator of increased risk of other complications of diabetes.
Eye drops are instilled to dilate the pupils and enable a thorough retinal examination. This may mean that vision is blurred for the rest of the day and it is not advisable to drive or operate machinery. Patients are recommended to bring sunglasses because bright sunlight may cause discomfort.
After the examination, a report of our findings will be prepared for your Doctor. Images and scans can also be e-mailed.
If you would like more information on Diabetic retinal screening, sight tests or specialist consultations please contact us to make an appointment at our London practice.
For general information on diabetes, please see NHS diabetes advice or diabetes UK.
