A diabetes patient has been able to overcome her fear of having her eyes tested thanks to the patience and understanding of one of the Trust’s retinal screener. At a Diabetes UK day, Lizzie Tolley; a retinal screener in Carlisle met a patient who expressed concerns about attending her appointment for screening, images couldn’t be obtained as she had been so anxious at an earlier appointment. As a result of the compassion demonstrated by Lizzie , the patient has now attended, is back under the care of Ophthalmology, with a much more positive attitude to attend and less anxious about the whole experience.
Lizzie said: “I felt it was important that the patient should attend to ensure her eyes were checked. Eye screening is a key part of your diabetes care. If you have diabetes, your eyes are at risk of damage from diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to sight loss if it's not treated. I explained this to the patient and reassured her we would try again if she would attend. The patient agreed to attend.” Lizzie added: “I arranged a longer appointment at a venue which was convenient for the patient, gave a full explanation of the process and suggested she could bring a friend or relative along for extra support.”
The patient attended and images were taken. Due to the patients light sensitivity and cataracts the screener then referred the patient to Ophthalmology department at the hospital where she will be able to have more detailed checks followed by treatment or where she will be discharged back to the screening service.
The Retinal Screening services uses specially developed diagnostic photography to detect diabetic eye disease to ensure the accurate recording of patient data, recalling patients appropriately, following up non-responding patients, liaising with GP practices, tracking and recording the outcome of referrals to the Hospital Eye Service, delivered as close to home as appropriate.