The Western Isles Diabetes Network provides a retinal screening service to all people over the age of twelve with diabetes.

Diabetic Retinopathy is the major contributor to blindness in the working population and is preventable if diagnosed and treated early. It is important that all people with diabetes attend an annual screening appointment to check that this condition is not developing.

Western Isles NHS place a contract with Robert Doig Optometrist Ltd to provide an all year round retinal screening image capture service and one with NHS Tayside to provide and all year round image grading service. Patients are systematically invited to make an appointment that is convenient to them. The screening takes place at R Doig Ltd , 36 Kenneth Street Stornoway and R Doig Ltd, Rathad Mhic Eoin Balivanich, Uist. The service will visit more remote areas to block screen and home visits are carried out at the request of the General Practitioner.

It is important that you keep your appointment.

When you attend for screening the technician will provide you with information on how the image of your retina will be taken. For a very small number of people eye drops will be administered to dilate the pupil. The affects of the drops may mean you will not be able to drive for a couple of hours. If it is you first appointment it isn’t possible to predict if you will need these drops but for those who have previously attended it is usual for you to expect to be given drops if you have needed them in the past.

For further advice please contact the Diabetes Resource Centre on 01851 708327 or your local GP.