Diabetic Eye Screening (DES)

Key Messages

• In Scotland, everyone 12 years or older with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is invited for diabetic eye screening.

• Diabetic retinopathy is when diabetes affects the small blood vessels in your retina at the back of your eye.

• Screening can find changes to your retina before you have any symptoms of sight loss.

Further Information

Want to find out more about DES or book an appointment?

Phone: 01224 550466

Email: gram.eyescreeningappts@nhs.scot

Visit: www.nhsinform.scot/des

Training Courses

Healthcare workers and community champions can benefit from online training modules to enhance their understanding of diabetic eye screening. These modules include: 

  • The importance of regular diabetic eye screening in preventing vision loss. 
  • Explaining the screening process, what to expect and addressing common misconceptions. 
  • Supporting individuals to prioritise this vital screening in their diabetes care plan. 

Access the modules here: NHS Scotland National Screening Programmes

Resources

If you wish to order any resources (like leaflets, posters etc.) in English, you can do so for free at HPAC

You can register for a free account and order resources for collection at Summerfield House or delivery at any NHS premise you work within. To find out more information about this service, please visit: Health Information Resources Service

Translations, large print, BSL and easy read versions are available for download at Diabetic eye screening (DES) in Scotland | NHS inform