Comment

In response to the article "Politician says diabetics at risk" (page 9, Evesham Journal April 24 2008), we would like to reassure readers that diabetic patients in Broadway, Evesham, Pershore and surrounding areas have been offered digital photographic screening for diabetic retinopathy funded by the PCT for over 6 years.

This annual service commenced as an initial pilot scheme and was the first optometry led digital photographic scheme in England contributing to the National Screening Framework for Diabetes.

During this period we have consistently achieved a 93.5% attendance rate, one of the highest attendance rates for any public health screening project in the United Kingdom, and much higher than the 80% sought by the politicians for the year ending 2006.

This is a credit to our local diabetic population who, by their regular attendance, demonstrably appreciate the value of this vital annual test.

Annual screening continues at the optometry practices in Swan Lane, Evesham and High Street, Pershore under the directorship of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service.

James R Osborne, Optometrist, Swan Lane, Evesham.

Peter J Smith, Optometrist, High Street, Pershore.

11:34am Thursday 1st May 2008

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