Mobile Eye Screening

The Mobile Eye Screening Service in Norwich is part of fleet of mobile units which will contribute a great deal to the prevention of blindness in this country by providing screening for signs of sight threatening disease (diabetic retinopathy).

One of these mobile units is based at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and is dispatched to GP surgeries for screening as required.

Facts & Figures

Diabetes is the principal cause of blindness in people of working age in the UK and there are approximately one million people who suffer from diabetes in Great Britain, 11,000 of whom are likely to develop signs of diabetic retinopathy each year.

Currently 30% or 250,000 of all diabetics have retinopathy of some kind and 1.2% develop sight threatening changes every year.

If changes are detected early enough – usually before vision is affected – laster treatment will prevent 70% of cases from going blind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who decides which patients are screened for diabetic retinopathy?

Patients are invited by their GP to attend for screening.

What do I do if I cannot keep an appointment?

If you are unable to keep an appointment please advise your surgery so that your place may be given to someone else.

What does the screening involve?

Before your eyes are photographed your sight will tested on reading chart. Eye drops will then be put into your eyes to dilate the pupils. After approximately 10 minutes the operator will take photographs of the retina of each eye  through your pupils using a  special camera.

 

What do I need to take with me to the Screening Van?

Please bring TV and reading glasses if worn and sunglasses as this will help avoid glare after drops have been put in your eyes. If you have white hospital diabetic record card, please bring this as well.

What happens after the test?

You are strongly advised NOT TO DRIVE a motor vehicle for at least TWO HOURS after your eyes have been photographed. This is because blurring of the vision may occur for short time and driving could therefore be dangerous.

After the photographs have been examined report will be sent to your GP and you will also be advised of the results by letter, which you should show your optician when you have your next eye test.

Will I have more checks in the future?

Further screening checks will take place at yearly intervals.