What are the recommended screening guidelines for diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes, and how often should they be referred for eye examin

Recommended screening guidelines for diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes:

• Adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be referred immediately to the local eye screening service for diabetic retinopathy screening.
• Patients with diabetes should be encouraged to attend regular eye screening to detect diabetic retinopathy early and prevent vision problems.
• Screening frequency and referral for eye examinations should be based on the stage of diabetic retinopathy, HbA1c level, renal function, and blood pressure, with decisions made collaboratively between the patient and healthcare professionals.
• Ophthalmologists should have access to patients’ HbA1c and blood pressure results and discuss how controlling these factors can reduce progression of diabetic retinopathy.
• Emergency referral to an ophthalmologist is required for sudden loss of vision, rubeosis iridis, pre-retinal or vitreous haemorrhage, or retinal detachment.

Frequency of eye examinations:

• Initial referral to eye screening should be immediate upon diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
• Subsequent screening intervals depend on the severity of retinopathy and individual risk factors; more frequent monitoring is required for those with established retinopathy or rapid changes in glycaemic control.
• For patients starting treatments that rapidly lower HbA1c, ophthalmological assessment before and after treatment initiation is recommended.

These recommendations align with the UK National Screening Committee criteria and NICE guidelines on diabetic retinopathy management and type 2 diabetes care.

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