Optometrists should play greater diabetes role, says Diabetes UK

Optometrists can and should play a greater role in helping patients manage and identify diabetes, according to Diabetes UK.

Speaking to Optician in the run-up to World Diabetes Day on November 14, Diabetes UK care adviser Zoë Harrison said optometrists should not shy away from discussing lifestyle issues with patients. 'On examining their eyes, optometrists usually recognise if this is someone with diabetes, as rapidly deteriorating eyesight is one symptom of the condition,' she said.

'There is no reason, however, why optometrists can't have a discussion with a patient who they may identify as being at risk of developing diabetes, for example people who are overweight or who have a family history of the condition.'