Publish date: 13 October 2023
From October 2023 the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) will start to invite people at lower risk of diabetic retinopathy for screening every two years instead of every year.
People eligible for diabetic eye screening who have had two consecutive eye screens showing no signs of diabetic retinopathy will be offered screening every two years as it is safe to do so. This change is based on a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) following a large study showing it was safe to invite people in this lower risk group every two years.
Extended intervals are already in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Diabetic eye screening is important as it helps to prevent sight loss. As someone with diabetes, your eyes are at risk of damage from diabetic retinopathy. Screening can detect this condition early before you notice any changes to your vision.
If someone is concerned about changes to their eyesight, they should contact their optometrist or optician straight away. More information about the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme can be found at NHS.UK and GOV.UK.