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Diabetic eye screening FAQs - Questions about being invited for diabetic eye screening

Where will I be screened?

Screening is carried out within hospitals, health centres, doctors’ surgeries, some community venues and mobile units.

We aim to invite you to a venue nearest your home, within a 45 minute drive.  This will depend on the location and appointments available.

How often will I get invited?

Everyone aged 12 or over diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and registered with a doctor in Wales will be offered free diabetic eye screening every one to two years.

Some people may be invited more often, depending on the results of their last screening appointment, or if they become pregnant.

Contact your doctor or optician if you notice any changes in your eyesight.  Do not wait for your next screening appointment.

How do I get an appointment?

If you have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes your doctor will let diabetic eye screening know.  We will send you an invitation letter each time you are due for diabetic eye screening.

It is important that your doctor has your correct name and address, otherwise we may not be able to send your appointment letter to you.

Can I change my appointment?

Yes, contact us if you want to change the time, date or location of your appointment, or if you cannot go.

I have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, will I get an appointment?

Yes.  If you have recently been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes your doctor will let diabetic eye screening know.  We will send you an invitation letter with a date and time for your appointment.

If you have not received an invitation letter after 12 weeks contact your doctor’s surgery to let them know.

I have recently been to my optician, do I still need to come to my appointment for diabetic eye screening?

Yes, diabetic eye screening is different from an eye test with your optician.  To keep your eyes healthy it is important you regularly go for your eye test and diabetic eye screening.

I am being seen by the Hospital Eye Service, do I need to come to my appointment?

Contact us to discuss if you need to come to your appointment and we can talk to you about your options.

Page last reviewed: 3rd April 2025