Diabetes sufferers will be able to get free retinal screening next month.

The test can detect the onset of diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of preventable blindness and vision impairment among people who have diabetes.

The symptoms of retinopathy often do not present themselves until the condition is well advanced and damage to the retina has occurred.

Lori Rockhead, the executive director of the Bermuda Diabetes Association, said: “In Bermuda, many people with diabetes have never had their eyes screened, although they have had diabetes for several years.

“Others may have missed regular screening during the height of Covid-19. The association is offering the weeklong series of clinics so it’s easy for persons with diabetes to access screening.

"We've received incredible support from the Bermuda Hospitals Board, Vision Bermuda and local doctors.”

A team of doctors from Britain has volunteered to provide the screening clinics free of charge.

Sara Bosch de Noya, the association’s education officer, said: “The test is painless. The screening involves taking an image of the eyes using a specialised camera.

“After dilating the eyes, images will be taken of the back of the eyes to check for any changes or warning signs.”

Screening clinics will be held at the Bermuda Diabetes Association's resource centre on Princess Street, Hamilton, between March 13 and 17.

For more information call the association on 297 8427 or click here.