Following a visit to an optician I was diagnosed with mild background retinopathy caused by undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. I was grateful the condition was picked up during a very thorough eye test.
Through my optician and GP I was referred to a specialist at a local hospital. The diagnosis of mild diabetic retinopathy was confirmed and I was discharged back to the care of my GP.
Given that photographs of the retina taken at my eye test existed, I can't understand why these couldn't be presented to an eye specialist able to make a 'first pass' decision as to whether or not I needed to be referred for further investigation at a hospital appointment.
As I didn't require hospital treatment my consultation lasted all of a few minutes and I was discharged.
The cost in time and resources to the NHS to refer every case of this condition to a specialist seems wasteful when a cursory examination of existing photographs would give an accurate indication of the extent of the condition.
"Diabetic Retinopathy Referrals"
About: Bedford Hospital South Wing / Ophthalmology Bedford Hospital South Wing Ophthalmology MK42 9DJ
Posted by Bianca (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››