Mid and South Essex Eye Screening Programme

28/10/2025

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that affects the retina (the back of the eye). Changes in the retina could cause significant visual impairment and even total blindness.

In the early stages of the disease, there is often no symptoms. However, DO NOT wait for symptoms to occur. When you do have symptoms, that is indicative of having retinal changes.

What can I do to protect my vision?
You could have a comprehensive dilated eye screening annually. Prevention and early detection is key for maintaining your vision.

24/10/2025

22/10/2025

Just a reminder to use our Patient Portal.

You can book and manage appointments, or view your Diabetic Eye Screening Results via our Portal. Scan the QR code to register.

20/10/2025

Happy Diwali 2025!

May your year be as bright as a sky full of fireworks and as sweet as a box of mithai. Enjoy the festivities!

17/10/2025

If you have diabetes, the NHS invites you for regular screening to check the back of your eyes.

Have a listen to this audio to find out what happens at the diabetic eye screening appointment, if you have any questions please call our programme office on 01245 809491.

https://soundcloud.com/nhsengland/your-guide-to-diabetic-eye-screening-audio

Audio version of the 'Your guide to diabetic eye screening' leaflet on GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/diabetic-eye-screening-description-in-brief/your-guide-to-diabetic-eye-screen

16/10/2025

🎨 Try adding something joyful to your week.

Hobbies are more than just pastimes. They calm the mind, lift your mood and give you space to breathe. Choose one that makes you feel good and make time for it.

16/10/2025

15/10/2025

If you need to come to your appointment by Patient Transport, please make sure your appointment is booked for the morning.

Call our bookings team on 01245 806100 to get advice on Transport and to discuss any special needs you might have to ensure your experience is as pleasant as possible.

13/10/2025

Receiving results from an eye screening appointment can be confusing.

Pre-Proliferative Retinopathy indicates that more severe and widespread changes are seen in the retina, caused by diabetes.

At this stage:

👀 there's a high risk that your vision could eventually be affected
👀 you'll usually be advised to have more frequent screening appointments every 3 or 6 months to monitor your eyes.
👀 You may be referred to the hospital eye services for further tests.

12/10/2025

Did you know about these changes to diabetic eye screening? It is important you attend any appointment you are offered from our service. If you are unsure when you are next due, log in to our Patient Portal to stay on top of your eye health.

We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.

From 1 October 2023, the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme will start screening people with diabetes at lower risk of diabetic retinopathy every two years...