What are the recommended screening intervals for diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025Updated: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

The NHS diabetic eye screening programme offers screening once a year to anyone with diabetes who is aged 12 years or over ,,,.

  • For patients with type 1 diabetes: Repeat structured eye screening should be arranged annually ,. Initial screening should be performed as soon as possible, and no later than 3 months from referral ,.
  • For patients with type 2 diabetes: Adults should be referred immediately to the local eye screening service upon diagnosis . The general screening interval is annual ,. There is a planned extension of the time interval from annual to 2-yearly screening for people at low risk of sight loss and sight-threatening retinopathy ,. For children and young people with type 2 diabetes, annual monitoring is important from 12 years of age .

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