Hundreds in Cumbria and Lancashire miss out on diabetes eye

[annie]

Hundreds of people with diabetes in Cumbria and Lancashire have missed out on vital eye tests because of failings in an NHS screening service.

Patients with the disease are supposed to be offered follow-up eye examinations after being diagnosed.

But it has emerged that since 2010 almost 500 were not given tests, which can detect retinal damage caused by increased blood sugar levels.

Health officials have written to those affected offering new appointments.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the cells at the back of the eye. If untreated it can cause blindness.


But it has emerged that systems to ensure those with the disease were referred for specialist eye examinations at local clinics failed to kick in

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-33649111

[wendy]

Disgusting

[maureenho]

No doubt other areas will be affected that haven't come to light yet.