Diabetic Retinal Screening (DRS) is a free service for diabetic patients referred by their GP or hospital clinics. 

It is used to monitor Diabetic Retinopathy and a full report will be sent to your GP after your screening.  Should you require further treatment you will be referred to the Hospital.  

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the retina, which is the delicate layer of blood vessels and light sensitive cells positioned at the back of the eye. 

It occurs when diabetes damages these fine blood vessels, which can lead to vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of blindness, but it is preventable.

If diabetic retinopathy is found to be threatening your vision, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist for treatment.

Early detection is extremely important so that this treatment can be performed at the optimum time to prevent and delay further damage. 

One of the problems with diabetic retinopathy is that in its early stages you may be completely unaware that anything is wrong. However, left untreated, retinopathy will get worse. 

If picked up in the early stages, diabetic retinopathy can be managed. This is why early detection from attending your screening appointments is important.

People with pre-diabetes or gestational diabetes are not eligible for DRS and do not require screening.

Your GP or Practice Nurse will send a referral through to Diabetic Retinal Screening and you will be contacted to book an appointment.

Clinics are held in several locations across Hawkes Bay

Napier - Bennett & Peason Optometrists, 7 Carlyle St, Napier on  Wednesday mornings.

Taradale - Pearson & Hooker Optometrist, 306 Gloucester St, Taradale Napier on Friday afternoons.

Hastings - At The Eye Surgery, 309 Karamu Road South, Hastings, full day Tuesdays and Thursday mornings.

Wairoa - Wairoa Health Centre, Kitchener St, Wairoa.  4 clinics a year

Central Hawkes Bay - CHB Health Centre, 1 Cook St, Waipukurau.  4 Clinics a year

• You will be greeted at the screening venue and your personal details will be checked.
• Your vision will be measured on an eye chart.
• To screen your eyes for diabetic retinopathy the optometrist will take photos of the back of your eye.
• Please note: The screening is for diabetic retinopathy ONLY. It is not intended to screen for any other condition.
• If you wear spectacles to correct your distance vision, please bring these to your appointment with you.
• The results of your retinal screening will be sent to your referring Doctor and a recall date will be noted for your next screening. Any abnormal or marginal results will be reviewed by an ophthalmologist.

There are several ways you can help prevent diabetic retinopathy.

• Have regular diabetic health checks with your GP
• Maintain healthy blood glucose levels
• Stop smoking
• Maintain treatment of general health conditions such as high blood pressure and/or cholesterol levels
• Eat a healthy diet and have regular exercise
• Have regular eye examinations with your Optometrist
• Report any changes in your vision to your GP or Optometrist
• Pregnancy can pose additional risks, more frequent eye examinations during this time may be recommended.