Optics marks World Diabetes Day

This week optical bodies and practices rallied behind World Diabetes Day, which took place on November 14.

The Optical Confederation welcomed a focus on eye health during the event but warned screening for diabetic eye disease was no substitute for a full sight test.

Acting OC chair Lynda Oliver said: ‘Thanks to effective screening in the community, diabetic retinopathy is no longer the leading cause of blindness in England and Wales. However, it is important for the public and primary care partners to remember that diabetic eye screening is not the same thing as regular sight tests, which everyone should have. This is essential for health and wellbeing, to correct sight and detect signs of other eye conditions which, like diabetic retinopathy, are often symptomless.’