NHS Diabetic Screening

[webber]

I have been diabetic for several years. One of the pitfalls of diabeties is that affects your eyesight, and can cause blindness. Because of the problems, diabetics are given a more rigorous eye test involving additional procedures.

 

For years all was well, you booked an appointment for the test, turned up, test done, prescription in hand, new glasses.

 

A few weeks ago I received a reminder, and so booked an appointment for this afternoon.

I soon discovered that the procedure had changed. For reasons known only to the NHS, they have now split the diabetic screening from the eye test. Apparently they now aim to only actually test the eyes once every two years, but do the diabetic part every year.

 

Well my little plan has now gone to pot. Start of new shooting season = new glasses required.

 

Not to be beaten I have booked an eye test for 1st November, so should have the new specs ready for the 3rd.

 

But what a load of sph haveericals. I now need 2 hours off work for appointments. Have to drops in my eyes twice, so cant drive, or see properly for hours afterwards.

 

Now being a simpleton, I would have thought that the NHS would have been looking at ways of reducing the administration, not increasing it!, silly me.

 

webber

[henry d]

I`ve had those drops before and you have my sympathy.

[Wookie]

Are they the ones that make you pupils look like saucers?

 

I feel your pain and you have my sympathy

[webber]

Yes those are the ones. Now I have to endure the ordeal twice a year instead of once, Have two appointments, arrange transport twice. The more I think about it the more anoyed I get.

 

webber

[Pushkin]

Webber - I'm in the same boat as yourself. Do you get this new method of screening for changes in your eye - the photograph taken? Don't ya just love that burst of light

 

Pushkin

[webber]

Pushkin, spot on!

 

The thing is I can hardly see for several hours after. Even today I have to stay inside to avoid the sunlight.

 

Because the opticians is ina pedestrianised zone I jhave to walk to a convenient spot to be picked up. I must be getting used to it by now, as this time is the first that I have not either fell down a kerb or tripped up one.

 

It seems to me that they have simply increased the workload, administration, costs, and least of all to them, inconvenience to patients, especially those who work.

 

webber