Skip to main content

Diabetic eye screening

On this page

Diabetic eye screening (DES) is also known as diabetic retinopathy (or retinal) screening (DRS).

Diabetic Eye Screening

Important: Contacts

This is a freephone number from UK landlines. Phones are open:

Monday to Friday, 1.00pm to 5.00pm

Please note that this availability is subject to change, due to staffing arrangements. If you are unable to reach us by phone then please email (using the above address) - this is checked daily and a member of staff will respond as soon as possible.

DES Board Programme Co-ordinator
Lisa Steele

Diabetic Centre
Ground Floor
UHI House
Old Perth Road
Inverness
IV2 3JH

See the Diabetic Centre location.

Diabetic eye screening at NHS Highland

Diabetic eye screening (DES) is also known as diabetic retinopathy (or retinal) screening (DRS).

Important: Information from Public Health Scotland

Diabetic eye screening - preventing sight loss from retinopathy explains screening and its importance.

Available in several languages and formats from Public Health Scotland.

Important: Information in easy read format

We want health screening information to be accessible to everyone.

Diabetic eye screening (Easy Read)

Important: Information from NHS inform

NHS Inform Logo

Diabetic eye screening (DES) is a test to check for a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This is when diabetes causes the small blood vessels in the retina (backs of the eyes) to leak or become blocked. This screening test is offered to people aged 12 and over with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic eye screening only looks for retinopathy. It’s important to go for regular eye tests with your optician too.

Diabetic eye screening at NHS inform

Diabetes services and resources

Last updated: 6 February 2025

Next review date: 2 February 2026