New diabetic eye screening clinic at St Catherine’s Health Centre

A new diabetic eye screening clinic has opened at St Catherine’s Health Centre in Birkenhead, making it easier and more convenient for people with diabetes to have their eyes checked, with any problems identified and treated early.

The new clinic, offered by Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) as part of its Wirral Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, aims to improve screening uptake in Birkenhead, an area that has historically had lower levels of participation than other parts of Wirral.

Eye screening is vital because diabetic eye disease often has no symptoms in its early stages, so regular screening is the only way to pick up these changes before they start to affect a person’s sight.

When changes are caught early, treatment can be very effective, but once vision has deteriorated then treatment can only prevent further sight loss.

Figures for the first three months show the new clinic is reaching significant numbers of people who have never had their eyes screened before, as well as those who had stopped attending appointments. A small but important number of patients have also been referred on for further assessment or monitoring, showing the clinic is picking up issues that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Kirsty Jackson, Optometrist who has been carrying out screening at the clinic since it opened, said: “The new clinic at St Catherine’s Health Centre is already making a real difference. We’re seeing people who haven’t attended diabetic eye screening for several years, often for a variety of reasons, and we’re identifying diabetic eye disease that can now be referred for treatment before it has a significant impact on vision.

“One of the challenges with diabetic eye disease is that it doesn’t usually have symptoms in its early stages, so people are unlikely to know there’s a problem. By the time vision is affected, some damage may already have happened, and treatment is generally less effective. That’s why screening is so important, as it allows us to spot changes early, when they’re best managed through good diabetes control, appropriate monitoring, and timely treatment where needed.”

She added: “We are urging anyone invited for diabetic eye screening to attend their appointment. Regular screening is one of the best ways to protect your sight.”

The new clinic makes it easier and more convenient for patients to attend their screening, which can be a big factor in patients coming forward. Free parking for up to three hours is available at St Catherine’s Health Centre for those accompanying patients, and there are also good public transport links, with a number of bus service connections.

Albert Armour, age 67 from Prenton, who has lived with type 2 diabetes for a couple of years, was impressed with the speed at which he was able to get an appointment. He said: “Because I drive for a living, it’s a requirement for my work to get my eyes checked so I’m really pleased to have this option.”

He praised the free parking and straightforward booking process. He said: “My GP gave me the details and I found it really easy to book in. My friend brought me by car, so it was really easy to park, and my appointment was on time.”

He encouraged others with diabetes to get screened regularly. He added: “Your eyesight is so important, but people often only appreciate it when it starts to go. I have friends with diabetes so I will be recommending that they get their eyes checked here because it’s been such a positive experience.”

The clinic screens everyone aged 12 and over who has been diagnosed with diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2. Patients can book an appointment by phone, choosing a time or day that suits them.

Word of mouth is also helping the service grow, with patients recommending it to friends and family who have since booked their own appointments.

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive said: “I’m delighted that the new diabetic eye screening service at St Catherine’s Health Centre is already making a real difference, with more people attending for screening. By providing greater choice through community-based locations, we can make it easier for people to access appointments and help tackle health inequalities across the local area.

“We know that diabetes can have a significant impact on eyesight, which is why regular screening is so important. We would urge anyone living with diabetes to take up their screening invitation to help protect their vision.

“Staff have received some wonderful feedback from patients, who have praised their friendly and supportive approach, as well as the calm, welcoming environment and convenience of attending St Catherine’s”.