Over 2,500 people in Cumbria with diabetes are at risk of losing their sight because they have not have their eyes checked.
Clinicians from the diabetes eye screening services are urging people who are overdue to make their eye health a priority this year.
Dr Lakshimi Patil, retinal eye screener, said: “Diabetic patients may develop a condition called diabetic retinopathy which is sight threatening if left untreated.
“Early intervention is important so we recommend free regular diabetic eye screening check-ups for anyone with diabetes over the age of 12.
“In Cumbria, more than 36,000 people are eligible for the screening, but more than 2,500 people have not had a test in the last three years which puts them at risk of losing their sight.”
Diabetic eye screening is available at over 30 locations across the county and to book, call 0345 0500109 or email RetinalScreeningBooking2@nhs.net
An event will take place in the Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle on January 3 and January 4 for anyone who wants to find out more. It will be held from 9am to 5.30pm on both days and experts will be on hand to chat about diabetic eye health.
