<span>Aiming to reduce the risk of sight loss from diabetic retinopathy, to date Diabetic RetinaScreen has invited over 160,000 people to attend for the free screening at a local screening centre. </span>
<span>Explaining the importance of attending for screening Dr David Keegan, Clinical Director of Diabetic RetinaScreen today stated: “Regular retinal screening through Diabetic RetinaScreen will reduce the risk of sight loss among people with diabetes from untreated diabetic retinopathy, the commonest cause of sight loss in people of working age. The good news is that when caught early, treatment is effective at reducing or preventing damage to sight. Many have already taken part in Diabetic RetinaScreen. I encourage those who receive an invitation to avail of this important free, regular screening.”</span>
<span>Dr Keegan added: “All people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy may not have any symptoms and may not affect the sight until the condition is at an advanced stage. Regular eye screening, using specialised digital photography, can detect the condition at an early stage, before any noticeable symptoms or changes in sight. Any recommended follow-up investigation or treatment of diabetic retinopathy<a title=”This external link will open in a new window” name=”_GoBack” target=”_blank”></a>will be fully quality assured and provided free of charge as part of the programme.’’</span>
<span>Screening results will be provided within three weeks. A Freephone information line (1800 45 45 55) is available during normal working hours, Monday to Friday and further information can be found at<span class=”Apple-converted-space”> </span><a title=”This external link will open in a new window” href=”http://www.diabeticretinascreen.ie/” target=”_blank”>www.diabeticretinascreen.ie</a><span>.</span></span>
<span>If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and are aged 12 or over, find out if you are on the register at Freephone 1800 45 45 55. If you are on the register, you will be invited by letter to attend a free screening at a local screening centre. <br /></span>
