DES invitations: COVID-19 guidance for attending your screening appointment
Updated 2 October 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/diabetic-eye-screening-invitation-and-result-letter-templates/diabetic-eye-screening-important-information-about-coronavirus-covid-19
As a result of the NHS responding to the coronavirus pandemic, you may have waited longer than normal for your diabetic eye screen.
It is important that you now attend your screening test. Delaying your screening further may put you at increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (eye disease or sight loss).
Travelling to and from your appointment
When travelling to and from your appointment, please follow the government guidelines. For more details, see guidance on staying safe outside your home.
Wearing a face covering
In line with government advice, when attending your appointment, you must wear a face covering. See guidance on how to wear and make a face covering.
At your appointment
At your appointment please be aware that:
- your appointment may not be at your usual venue
- social distancing measures will be in place in the screening clinic
- staff may be wearing protective clothing to protect you and them
- the screening appointment may take longer than usual
If you or any member of your household is suffering from any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or are self-isolating as outlined at gov.uk/coronavirus please do not attend the appointment.
If you have been shielding because you are clinically extremely vulnerable and you have concerns about the arrangements for your appointment, please contact your local screening service.
Similarly, if you are unable to attend, please contact your local screening service to reschedule your appointment for a different time. This is important so we can offer the appointment slot to someone else who needs it.