Annual Evidence Update on Diabetic Retinopathy 2008

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in working age people in the UK. By December 2007, 85.7% of people diagnosed with diabetes were offered screening for diabetic retinopathy. The UK leads the world in diabetic retinopathy screening. The Department of Health NSF target to screen 100% of people diagnosed with diabetes for diabetic retinopathy had not been met by the end of 2007, but the DH have now prioritised quality and safety over chasing the target and will continue to work with partners in Government, the NHS and the voluntary sector to improve the standard and quality of screening programmes across the country.

• Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Statement (April 2008)

The Diabetic Retinopathy Annual Evidence Update provides an opportunity to present an up-to-date, comprehensive collection of information that has been subject to rigorous selection criteria. Coverage has been developed on the basis of topics suggested by UK diabetic retinopathy experts. Information is organised by topic areas and links are provided within each topic to the relevant references (systematic reviews, primary research), guidelines and patient information.