Closer monitoring for people with diabetic maculopathy in our digital surveillance clinics

If your annual screening test shows changes close to the centre of your retina (diabetic maculopathy) you will be asked to have an additional test within 3 months.

At this appointment you will have a retinal photograph and an ocular coherence tomography (OCT) scan. The scan will only take a few seconds longer to capture and you will be seen in the community by the same screening staff but in fewer locations and it might not be at your local GP surgery.

You will be sent an appointment every 3, 6, or 9 months.

How long will I have to come for these scans?

About 25% of patients who attend these closer monitoring clinics are discharged back to annual screening at the first visit. This is because the more detailed scan shows no significant damage.

If you are asked to attend every 3 - 9 months it is because your eye disease is more likely to progress to a level that needs treatment. However, most people who attend these clinics do not need eye treatment within 2 years.

Do I really need to attend so frequently?

Yes, if we monitor you closely we will spot any change that might seriously threaten your sight. We will refer you to see an eye specialist at your local hospital if we think you might need treatment or if your maculopathy gets much worse.

What if I am unable to attend?

If you are unable to attend your appointment, or have any further questions, please contact us on 01904 726640.

For more information visit diabetic retinopathy: monitoring and treatment.