Diabetic Scots miss regular eye tests

A report showing that one in three people with diabetes is missing out on a regular eye test has prompted Scotland's health secretary Nicola Sturgeon to launch an awareness campaign.

The report Don't Turn a Blind Eye by Diabetes UK Scotland and RNIB Scotland revealed that of the 173,000 people with diabetes in Scotland, 55,000 have not been screened in the past 15 months, and in areas with the highest rates of diabetes, 20 per cent are still not being screened on a regular basis.

Sturgeon said: 'It is really important that people with diabetes manage their condition and regular screening for diabetic retinopathy is an essential part of this.' Audrey Birt, director of Diabetes UK Scotland, added: 'This joint campaign with RNIB Scotland will raise awareness of the importance of screening and give the NHS support to ensure the growing numbers of people who are at risk attend.' Sturgeon (right) is pictured at the launch with patient Jill Daley.