Services for diabetic retinopathy screening in England and Wales: A survey of ophthalmologists

Diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of visual loss, but screening to detect pre‐symptomatic cases and laser photocoagulation can reduce the number of people who suffer this complication. Annual retinal examination is recommended in England and Wales for people with diabetes but, if most people are to be tested, systematic screening programmes are required. We sent a questionnaire to ophthalmologists in National Health Service (NHS) Trusts throughout England and Wales to seek information about screening programmes in their districts. There was no programme in 23% of districts, only 35% used a standard record format, and in only 64% were results routinely sent to the general practitioner. Screening programmes are not yet fully developed and attention needs to be given to the introduction of systems to ensure communication and co‐ordination in districts.