Diabetic retinopathy screening

Diabetic retinopathy was first described in 1855 by Jaeger1 just a few years after the invention of the ophthalmoscope. Descriptions of the lesions have been developed and classified in an effort to facilitate the management of the disease.

From January 2007, most PCTs have introduced a camera based screening programme for screening the retinas of diabetics. Though not necessarily directly involved as a diabetic rater, all optometrists should be familiar with the rating scheme and be able to assess retinopathy images adequately. A summary of the standards follows. There are then 12 images for you to look at and attempt to grade. Answers will appear next week.