Bassetlaw Hospital's diabetes eye screening service is expanding to offer more appointments and new diagnostic technology, making it easier for patients to access care locally.
The improvements include advanced optical scanning equipment (OCT scans) alongside traditional retinal imaging and eye examinations. These tools help clinicians spot diabetic eye disease early, before symptoms appear, potentially preventing sight loss.
The expanded service will offer greater flexibility with plans for more evening and weekend appointments to suit working patients and those with other commitments. Screening will also be delivered at community venues and weekends across the area, bringing checks closer to home.
Dr Shivani Dewan, lead for the programme, said the changes aim to reduce delays and improve accuracy whilst ensuring patients are seen at the right time. The expanded service should also reduce unnecessary hospital referrals by allowing more follow-up care to be delivered locally.
Denise Smith, Chief Operating Officer, added that the expansion represents "a really positive step forward" for patients in Bassetlaw, improving access and reducing waiting times.
Diabetic eye screening is different from a regular eye test with an optician. If you live with diabetes, you should still attend regular eye appointments with an optician to check for other conditions alongside your diabetes screening.