Understanding my results

When will I get my results?

You will usually get your test results by letter within around 4 weeks.

Your GP and hospital diabetes clinic will also get a copy of your test results.

What will my results show?

Your test results will show 1 of 4 possible results:

• No retinopathy is found
• Minor changes found
• Changes needing follow-up are found
• Unclear result

No retinopathy is found (first time test)

The first time you go for screening and no retinopathy is found, you will be invited to go again in 12 months.

No retinopathy is found (second test and beyond)

From the second time no retinopathy is found, you will be invited for screening every 2 years.

Minor changes found

This may mean you have diabetic retinopathy.

You will usually be invited for screening again in 6 or 12 months so any changes can be checked.

Changes needing follow-up are found

You may be referred to a special eye clinic for a different scan or to be seen by an eye specialist.

You will get an appointment letter in the post.

Unclear result

Sometimes the photograph is not good enough to tell if you have retinopathy.

You will be invited back for a different test. 

This is called a slit lamp examination. This test is painless and involves shining a light into the back of the eyes.

If you are invited for this test, eye drops will be used.

You will not be able to drive yourself home as your vision might be blurred.

You will be told the results of the test on the day and also by letter.