Diabetic Retinopathy Service — Wythenshawe
Regular retinal monitoring for diabetic patients. Diabetic eye disease develops without warning — early detection is the most effective way to protect your sight.
Why it matters
Diabetic Eye Disease — Often Symptomless Until It Is Too Late
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of sight loss in working-age adults in the UK. In its early stages, it causes no pain and no visible symptoms — which is precisely why regular clinical monitoring is so important.
Our diabetic eye check uses retinal photography and clinical examination to detect the earliest signs of retinopathy, macular oedema, and related conditions — when treatment is most effective.
Book a Check- Suitable for all Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients
- High-resolution retinal photography of both eyes
- Dilated examination for thorough posterior pole assessment
- Visual acuity testing and intraocular pressure check
- Full written report and findings explained in plain language
- Prompt referral to hospital eye service if required
Your appointment
What Happens at Your Diabetic Eye Check
Please allow approximately 45–60 minutes. Do not drive yourself — your vision will be affected by dilating drops for 2–4 hours afterwards.
We record your diabetes history, blood sugar control, medications, and current vision. Your reading and distance acuity are measured.
Drops are instilled to widen your pupils. These take 20–30 minutes to work and will blur your near vision and increase light sensitivity for several hours.
High-resolution digital photographs of the retina are taken of both eyes. These capture detail of the blood vessels, macula, and optic nerve head.
Your optometrist examines the retina in detail through the dilated pupil, assessing for early signs of retinopathy, macular oedema, and other changes.
We explain the findings in plain language and provide a written report. If referral to the hospital eye service is needed, we arrange this and provide a clinical letter.
Also available
Other Services at Jennings Opticians
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes should have their eyes checked regularly. Diabetic eye disease develops without symptoms in its early stages — by the time vision is affected, significant damage may already have occurred. Annual checks are essential for all diabetic patients.
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by prolonged high blood sugar. The vessels can leak, swell, or grow abnormally, affecting vision. It is the leading cause of sight loss in working-age adults in the UK — but it is largely preventable with early detection and good diabetes management.
We dilate your pupils using eye drops, then use retinal photography and slit lamp examination to assess the health of your retina, macula, and optic nerve. The drops make your vision blurred and light-sensitive for 2–4 hours, so please do not drive yourself to the appointment.
Our diabetic retinopathy service is a private clinical examination. If you are already enrolled in the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, continue to attend those appointments. Our service provides an additional layer of monitoring and a more detailed clinical assessment with your optometrist.
Book Your Diabetic Eye Check in Wythenshawe
Annual monitoring is the most effective way to protect your sight. Book today.
Mon–Fri 9:00am–5:15pm | Wed & Sat 9:00am–1:00pm