Screening statistics

How many people's sight could be saved by screening?

There are nearly 2.5 million people with diabetes identified by GP practices in England. Using figures from a study in Scotland, it is estimated that in England every year 4,200 people are at risk of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy and there are 1,280 new cases of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy.

It is estimated that screening could save more than 400 people per year from sight loss in England.

How common is diabetic retinopathy?

A 1998 study reported baseline retinopathy levels (where there are microaneurysms or worse lesions in at least one eye) were present in 39% of men and 35% of women with newly-diagnosed Type 2 diabetes.

Uptake for diabetic retinopathy screening

In 2010-2011:

• 2,470,000 people in England aged 12 and over were identified with diabetes
• 2,260,000 were offered screening for diabetic retinopathy
• 1,790,000 received screening, an uptake of 79%