Eye screening boost

A new campaign has been launched to encourage diabetics in Greater Manchester to have themselves screened for diabetic retinopathy.

The campaign - fronted by Coronation Street actor and diabetic Sue Cleaver - also marks the establishment of the Greater Manchester diabetic retinopathy screening service, which will coordinate the screening activities of relevant health authorities and charities.

Among these is Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust, and according to Gail Lett, PCT service development and commissioning lead for long term conditions, the service and accompanying campaign are very much needed.

'Despite an explosion in the number of people diagnosed with the disease, one in three is not aware it can lead to sight loss,' she said.