Approaching 20% of blindness in developed countries is caused by diabetic retinopathy which is a complication of diabetes. This condition damages the blood vessels in the retina, potentially causing visual loss leading to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy cannot be cured, but its progression can be slowed or stopped with proper management and treatment. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing vision loss. 

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy might not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you may experience blurred vision, floaters, trouble seeing colours, and difficulty seeing in low light. Regular diabetic eye screening is crucial for early detection, as it involves taking photographs of the retina, and a specialist can detect changes in the blood vessels. 

Diabetic eye screening in Blackpool is part of the wider Lancashire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, which is provided by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and oversees the screening across all of Lancashire, including Blackpool. The service aims to reduce the risk of sight loss in people with diabetes by detecting early signs of diabetic retinopathy. 

You will typically receive an invitation for screening if you have diabetes and are over 12 years old. If you have not received an invitation, you can self-refer by contacting the Lancashire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme on 01282 803013 or by email at lancs.desp@nhs.net. You can also write to them at The Holden Centre, Gisburn Road, Barrowford, Lancashire, BB9 8NF. Screening locations are carefully selected to ensure easy access. Local booking teams will assign appointments based on your screening history. This is a free service for those with diabetes.
Look after the precious asset that is your sight – don’t ever get to the stage where you cannot clearly see how many fingers I am holding up.