Diabetes eye tests expand further

Diabetes can cause the retina at the back of the eye to deteriorate

More people in danger of losing their sight because of diabetes are to have early eye tests.

West Suffolk Diabetes' eye screening service is to expand into other parts of the eastern counties.

Annual eye checks have been given to about 8,000 diabetics since the service started in July 2002.

Suffolk West PCT and West Suffolk Hospital will now bring the mobile service to 29,000 more patients in east Cambs, south Norfolk and north Essex.

Richard Dewhirst, eye screening service manager, said: "Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of preventable blindness among people of working age in the country.

"Eye screening on an annual basis helps detect early signs - when the benefits of treatment are highest - and reduces the risk of blindness."

Patients are examined at GP practices and transferred to a grading centre for review and to be compared against earlier photographs to identify any changes year on year.