Black Gates Meek & Dong Optometrists are proud to be a pioneer of the Wellington Regional Diabetic Photoscreening Programme. This program is a partnership between Optometry, the DHB(Hospital) and your Doctor and won all three New Zealand Health Innovation Awards (Category, Peoples Choice and the Supreme Award) at the Inaugural Health Innovation Award Ceremony in 2003.

Why be screened for diabetic retinopathy?
Abnormal blood glucose levels change blood chemistry and the cumulative effects of these changes may cause vision loss by affecting the retinal blood vessels. Some diabetic changes, like cataracts, are treatable but other changes may be more serious and have the potential to cause permanent blindness if not detected and treated early.

Photoscreening is an exellent way to document your retinal health and monitor for change. Timely referral for treatment of diabetic retinopathy is essential for the prevention of vision loss.

How to make an appointment for a free diabetic retinal screening:
Contact your doctor, or Diabetic Nurse and arrange a referral for your Diabetic Retinal Photoscreening. The referral form from your doctor contains health information vital for the interpretation of your retinal images. Follow up screenings will be arranged according to your individual risk profile and referral to the hospital will be arranged automatically where necessary.

All diabetics should have their retinal health checked at least every two years, more frequently if changes are detected.
 
What you can expect During the Photoscreening Examination.

• Visual Acuity Measurement - your normal distance vision is evaluated, with your glasses (if you normally wear them), and also checked through a pinhole to give us an idea of how much blur is optical.
• Pupil Evaluation - We may need to dilate your pupils if your pupils are not large enough. A large pupil size is essential for high  resolution images. It may be best to take a bus or taxi, or ask someone to bring you in, to the appointment. Driving may be difficult afterward.
• Retinal Imaging - The images taken are graded and examined while you are with us. The optometrist will point out issues of concern and explain them to you. We will refer you to the hospital if a specialist opinion, or treatment is required. 
• Medical Report - we send your doctor a report of the result of the screening immediately. A copy of this report may go the the Eye Department so that they can arrange to check your retina and arrange treatment if appropriate.

Diabetic Photoscreening is Free. Ask your Doctor if you are eligible or contact us at (04)566 3940.