Introduction
At The Retina Clinic London, located in the prestigious Harley Street Health District, we offer a comprehensive Diabetic Screening Service to detect and monitor diabetic eye disease. Diabetic eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy and diabetic maculopathy, is a common complication of diabetes that can lead to sight-threatening complications if left untreated. For more information on these conditions, visit our dedicated Diabetic Eye Disease page.
Unlike the standard NHS diabetic screening service, our advanced screening process goes beyond routine checks by offering cutting-edge imaging, grading of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy, and personalised care. We regularly collaborate with GPs, endocrinologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide detailed screening reports and recommendations tailored to each patient’s needs.
What is Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)?
The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the eye and helps maintain its shape. Over time, the vitreous shrinks and pulls away from the retina at the back of the eye, a process known as Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD).
As the vitreous detaches, it often leads to the formation of Vitreous Floaters and Opacities (VFO)—clumps of gel or fibres that cast shadows on the retina. While PVD is typically benign, it can result in complications such as retinal tears or detachment, which are sight-threatening if left untreated.
Why Is Screening for Diabetic Eye Disease Important?
Diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy often develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular screening is critical to detect changes before vision is affected. Screening can:
- Identify early signs of diabetic retinopathy, such as retinal blood vessel damage.
- Detect fluid build-up in the macula (diabetic maculopathy), which can lead to cystoid macular oedema (CMO).
- Provide grading of retinopathy and maculopathy to determine the severity and progression of the condition.
- Guide timely interventions to prevent vision loss and long-term complications.
How Does Our Diabetic Screening Service Work?
At The Retina Clinic London, we use advanced technology and specialist expertise to provide a superior screening experience compared to standard NHS services. Here’s how our process works:
- State-of-the-Art Imaging
We use ultrawidefield imaging to capture detailed images of the retina, including the peripheral regions, ensuring early detection of diabetic changes that might be missed with standard imaging methods. - High-Resolution OCT Scans
Our Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) provides cross-sectional images of the retina and macula, enabling us to detect fluid accumulation and other structural changes caused by diabetic maculopathy or CMO. - Grading of Retinopathy and Maculopathy
We assess and grade the severity of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy to provide a clear understanding of your condition’s stage. This precise grading ensures that any necessary treatments are planned appropriately. - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We deploy advanced AI tools to objectively assess and monitor fluid levels in the retina and macula, providing accurate insights into the presence and progression of diabetic maculopathy. This technology allows us to evaluate how well treatments are working and adjust care plans accordingly.
Why Choose Our Service Over the NHS Diabetic Screening Programme?
While the NHS diabetic screening service offers a valuable routine check for diabetes-related eye complications, our service provides several significant advantages:
- Comprehensive Imaging: Our use of ultrawidefield imaging and high-resolution OCT allows us to detect and monitor subtle changes in the retina that standard NHS imaging may miss.
- Expert Grading: Unlike the NHS, we provide detailed grading of both diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy, offering a more complete understanding of the condition.
- Innovative AI Integration: Our AI tools enable precise, data-driven monitoring of fluid levels, which is not typically available in NHS screenings.
- Personalised Follow-Up: Patients screened through the NHS are often referred elsewhere for further investigation. In contrast, our service offers personalised follow-up care, including consultations with our medical team to discuss findings and plan treatments if needed.
- Convenience and Speed: At our clinic, appointments are prompt, waiting times are minimal, and results are delivered quickly, ensuring that any necessary interventions can begin without delay.
Two Screening Options
We offer two tailored screening options to meet the needs of patients and referring healthcare providers:
1. Screening with Report Only
- Includes a comprehensive imaging assessment.
- A detailed report summarising the findings, including the grading of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy, is sent directly to the patient and/or their referring GP or endocrinologist.
- This option is ideal for patients who require a thorough screening without a consultation.
2. Screening with Consultation
- Includes a comprehensive imaging assessment.
- A consultation with a member of our medical team to review the results in detail.
- Personalised recommendations for treatments or a follow-up plan based on the screening findings.
Who Should Be Screened?
Screening is recommended for:
- Anyone with diabetes who has not had a recent retinal screening.
- Patients experiencing symptoms such as blurry vision, floaters, or difficulty seeing clearly.
- Individuals referred by their GP or endocrinologist for a specialist diabetic eye assessment.
Why Choose The Retina Clinic London?
- Comprehensive Diagnostics: We combine ultrawidefield imaging and high-resolution OCT with expert grading of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy to provide an unparalleled level of care.
- Advanced AI Technology: Our use of artificial intelligence ensures precise monitoring of fluid levels in the retina and macula, improving accuracy in detecting and managing diabetic eye disease.
- Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: We work closely with GPs, endocrinologists, and other referring healthcare professionals to ensure seamless patient care.
- Personalised Screening Options: Choose between a simple report-only service or a consultation with our medical team for tailored follow-up care.
- Expertise You Can Trust: Led by Professor Paulo Stanga, our team specialises in the diagnosis and management of diabetic eye disease, offering world-class expertise.
- Convenient Location: Located in the Harley Street Health District, our clinic offers easy access, prompt appointments, and short waiting times.
For more information or to book your diabetic screening appointment, contact The Retina Clinic London today. Whether you need a detailed report or expert guidance, we are here to protect your vision.