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Screening information for Transgender and Non-binary individuals - About diabetic eye screening

Who: Everyone over 12 years with diabetes

When: Every one or two years depending on their risk of diabetic eye disease

Test: Photographs of the eye

Eye screening can prevent you from losing your sight as it can find retinopathy (damage to the back of the eye) at an early stage.

Screening saves sight.

Contact Diabetic Eye Screening Wales (Need to link this contact page)

Things you need to know about diabetic eye screening

Everyone aged 12 or over who has diabetes and is registered with a doctor will be invited for diabetic eye screening every one or two years depending on their risk of diabetic eye disease.

General information

Diabetic eye screening looks for retinopathy (damage to the back of the eye), which can lead to sight loss if not treated. It is important to take part in diabetic eye screening even if your eyesight seems fine to you. Finding retinopathy early means it can be treated, and this can help prevent sight loss. Taking part in screening is your choice. If you do not want to be invited for your diabetic eye screening test you should contact Diabetic Eye Screening Wales, who will explain how you can opt out of screening.

Signs and symptoms you should look for

You should tell your doctor or optician if you have any of the following.

  • A sudden or gradual change in your eyesight.
  • A sudden loss of your eyesight in one or both eyes.
  • Seeing shapes (floaters) or flashing lights in your field of vision.
  • Your eyesight becomes blurred for no reason.
  • You have eye pain or redness.

For more information, visit the diabetic eye screening page.

Page last reviewed: 24th February 2025