Scotland is planning to introduce what is said to be the world's first national screening programme for diabetic retinopathy, to help prevent a condition that can damage eyes and lead to blindness.
The Health Technology Board for Scotland has produced recommendations on how the programme should be organised, and an implementation group has been set up to work with Scottish health boards on its introduction. The programme will be based on an annual eye examination that will be offered to all 150000 people in Scotland with diabetes.
The tests will use digital cameras to examine the condition of the retina, which will enable four out of five patients to be screened without the discomfort and inconvenience of eye drops. Screening will be offered in a range of venues—from mobile vans to hospital clinics—and by community optometrists.
Local screening programmes are in place in a number of countries, but Delia Henry, the Scottish manager of Diabetes UK, said: “We are not aware of any other country that has developed a national screening strategy. Our understanding is that this will be the first, and we really welcome it. It is a significant step forward.”
A survey conducted by the board found wide variation in the current provision of diabetic retinopathy screening in Scotland, with only around half of people being screened. In some cases the screening was found to be not as regular or as effective as it should be. The new programme will develop a diabetic registry and operate a call and recall system to ensure that all patients with diabetes are offered regular screening.
It is estimated that the programme will cost £4.3m ($6.2m; €7.0m) to establish and £2.4m to operate in subsequent years. The cost per patient screened will be less than £22. It is estimated that at any one time 5-10% of people with diabetes will have retinopathy that needs further examination or treatment.
The board's recommendations are available at www.htbs.org.uk
Figure.
CNRI/SPL
CNRI/SPL
Diabetic retinopathy: early macular changes