Diabetes Eye Health Care Talk

Warminster Diabetes UK Support Group were treated to a talk about retinopathy by Warminster optometrists.

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina and is a complication that can affect people living with any type of diabetes. This is the most common cause of blindness among people of working age. 

Alisha Daley-Morris and Robert Hopwood, who are the franchisees of Boots Opticians, Warminster, spoke to the group. They gave an overview of common and potential changes that diabetes can cause to the eye, and a summary of how the diabetic retinopathy screening scheme (DRS) works, what it looks for and its potential outcomes. They covered the importance of regular eye examinations, what they may see and how this complements the screening in the detection of diabetic changes. They went on to explain what measures to take to try to avoid any diabetic eye changes, the symptoms to be aware of, and briefly explained how retinopathy could be treated under the hospital eye service.  

Alisha said "If detected early, diabetic retinopathy can be prevented in many cases, so we can't stress enough how important it is to attend regular screening and consult an optometrist if symptoms are suspected."

The talk ended with a lively Q & A session. Rob later remarked how pleased he was that the evening had provoked such interesting questions.

Clive Wright, acting chairman of the Warminster Support Group, added "It was a real pleasure to have Alisha and Rob give such a well coordinated and interesting talk. The subject is serious but they managed to lighten the mood and engage with the group. Many of the audience offered positive feedback and said how much they had learnt and enjoyed the evening. Our group allows those living with diabetes in the local area to get together. We offer support and advice and welcome speakers to come and share key information."