Kent & Medway Diabetic Eye Screening Programme

23/03/2026

🌍 Happy World Optometry Day! 👁️
Today we’re celebrating the vital work of optometrists and eye‑care professionals who help protect the sight of our community every single day.
For people living with diabetes, regular eye screening is one of the most important ways to prevent sight loss.

✨If you’ve been invited for your diabetic eye screening appointment and would like to make any changes, please get in touch:
📞 Call our Patient Engagement Centre on 01233 880000
📧 Email us on enquiries.kmdesp@nhs.net
💻 Access the patient portal at https://portal.kmdesp.co.uk
or DM us on here!

20/03/2026

Its that time again!! Feedback Friday 💙🎉

This week we highlight another one of our venues, Lombard house 12-17 Upper Bridge St, Canterbury CT1 2NF.

Ramped access via rear with automatic doors. Call reception on 01227 787196 for details how to access this entrance. Reception unmanned after 3pm. Ground floor clinic via the EKTRA Physiotherapy Reception which is the separate door to the left of main Reception. Pay-and-display parking to the rear of building. Good accessibility. Close to fire station.

Use this What3Words link to pinpoint the specific location of this venue - https://w3w.co/butter.marker.parent

📞 Call our Patient Engagement Centre on 01233 880000
📧 Email us on enquiries.kmdesp@nhs.net
💻 Access the patient portal at https://portal.kmdesp.co.uk
or DM us on here!

13/03/2026

Its that time again - Feedback Fridayyy 🎉💙

Thank you, Lisa J, for going above and beyond to make the screening experience comfortable and reassuring. Moments like this remind us how important kindness and patience are in supporting people through their diabetic eye screening journey.
Your dedication helps us deliver high‑quality, person‑centred care every single day. 💚

To get in contact with us, please:
📞 Call our Patient Engagement Centre on 01233 880000
📧 Email us on enquiries.kmdesp@nhs.net
💻 Access the patient portal at https://portal.kmdesp.co.uk
or DM us on here!

09/03/2026

What an absolute inspiration! 🎇

Yesterday was International Women’s Day, and we wanted to share this post from Diabetes UK highlighting the incredible work of Dorothy Hodgkin - a woman whose scientific achievements continue to shape diabetes care today.

Who are some women who inspire you? 💗

Meet Dorothy Hodgkin. A scientist who spent more than three decades unlocking the secrets of insulin.

In 1969, she and her team revealed the 3D structure of insulin. This discovery transformed diabetes treatment, paving the way for synthetic insulin - a treatment used by millions today.

Dorothy worked at a time when women in science faced enormous barriers, yet she refused to give up. She pushed boundaries, championed discovery and proved just what women were capable of.

And her legacy continues to inspire us.

We’re proud to currently fund 51 women researchers who are driving the next generation of diabetes breakthroughs. Women whose work may one day change lives, just like Dorothy’s did.

This International Women's Day, we say thank you to the women shaping science, challenging limits, and helping create a world where diabetes does no harm 💙

06/03/2026

Happy Feedback Friday!!🎉💙

This week we highlight another one of our venues, Sevenoaks Hospital, Outpatients Department, Ground Floor, Hospital Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3PG

We are located in Outpatients and the screening room is situated on the ground floor opposite the reception desk. The car park is currently free. Waiting area B is the one we use. Please follow the signs to the waiting area. Take a seat and the screener will call you when ready.

Use this What3Words link to pinpoint the specific location of this venue - https://w3w.co/foal.tools.detail

27/02/2026

🌟Feedback Friday🌟

We love hearing about positive experiences in our Diabetic Eye Screening clinics,
A huge thank you to Sue for delivering such warm, efficient care. And thank you to our patients for taking the time to share their experiences — it helps us continue to provide the best possible service. 👏💙

To get in contact with us, please:
📞 Call our Patient Engagement Centre on 01233 880000
📧 Email us on enquiries.kmdesp@nhs.net
💻 Access the patient portal at https://portal.kmdesp.co.uk
or DM us on here!

20/02/2026

Feedback Friday Time!! 🎉

This week our feedback focuses on another one of our venues, The Gap Project Baptist Church, Queens Road, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1NU

Wide entrance to building, suitable for large wheelchairs. Town Centre parking available. Buses 8A Breeze, 8X Breeze, 9, 9X, 33, 933, 939, 946, and the Loop stop outside the church.

Use this What3Words link to pinpoint the specific location of this venue -
https://w3w.co/polite.memory.owner

📞 Call our Patient Engagement Centre on 01233 880000
📧 Email us on enquiries.kmdesp@nhs.net
💻 Access the patient portal at https://portal.kmdesp.co.uk
or DM us on here!

19/02/2026

☕Coffee and Connect with Diabetes UK in Gillingham!

Our friends over at Diabetes UK are hosting a Coffee and Connect in Gillingham this Monday 23rd February from 2-3pm.

This FREE event offers attendees a chance to learn about adult weight management, all the while enjoying a free cuppa☕🫖

To sign up, please follow the below link:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coffee-and-connect-gillingham-adult-weight-management-tickets-1983253016159

18/02/2026

🌙 Ramadan Mubarak from the Kent & Medway DESP!

As Ramadan begins, we wish all who are observing a peaceful and blessed month.

If you’re living with diabetes, this is also an important time to look after your eye health. Attending your diabetic eye screening is essential in protecting your vision.

Most Islamic scholars agree that the use of eye drops at your appointment does not break the fast, and may mean not having to recall you for another appointment

Ramadan Mubarak to you and your loved ones 🌙✨

To get in contact with us, please:
📞 Call our Patient Engagement Centre on 01233 880000
📧 Email us on enquiries.kmdesp@nhs.net
💻 Access the patient portal at https://portal.kmdesp.co.uk
or DM us on here!

17/02/2026

Happy Lunar New Year! 🐎

To all our teams, partners and those in our network who are celebrating, we wish you good luck and good fortune! ❤️

13/02/2026

Its that time again - Feedback Fridayyy 🎉💙

For some people, screening moves to every two years when their last two results show no signs of diabetic retinopathy, meaning it’s safe to wait a little longer while still protecting their sight - If you have any concerns or questions call our Patient Engagement Centre on 01233 880000.

Thanks to Michael for helping patients understand these changes and feel supported at their appointment. 💙👁️ Thankyou Michael ☺️

To get in contact with us, please:
📞 Call our Patient Engagement Centre on 01233 880000
📧 Email us on enquiries.kmdesp@nhs.net
💻 Access the patient portal at https://portal.kmdesp.co.uk
or DM us on here!

12/02/2026

Your vision matters.

If you have diabetes, you will be regularly invited for diabetic eye screening.

Screening is important because when eye problems are caught early, they can be treated more effectively, before you notice changes to your sight.

Find out more at nhs.uk/des or on our website here: https://buff.ly/fjfkbQp

InHealth has proudly partnered with the NHS for nearly 15 years to deliver diabetic eye screening across 19 of England’s 57 programmes - supporting over 1.8 million people in protecting their sight.