Optometrists play a role in detecting diabetes

I WRITE in relation to your article (Yorkshire Post, August 31) discussing opticians and dentists testing for diabetes. Although some may not recommend finger prick tests at the opticians, optometrists have been detecting diabetes for years via bleeds on the retina.

At our clinic, we have a 3D eye scan (Optical Coherence Tomographer) which examines multiple layers of the retina so deeper bleeds below the top layer can be identified. Fluctuating prescriptions and other retinal signs are also common in diabetes which can lead to an optician referring a patient for a diabetes check at their GP.

Optometrists have a great deal of knowledge about diabetes and many other health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart problems. We are all given training at university at taking blood pressure and how to give patients health advice.

This allows optometrists to be involved in improving patients’ general health, especially since we are so easily accessible on the high street. This is even more important because so many people are unaware that they have diabetes and other health conditions, as highlighted in your article.

As the managing director of a joint optical and dental clinic, we know how important it is to provide a full service, which takes into account general health as opposed to just tooth whitening and providing glasses. If you can get more than one service from a visit to the dentist or opticians, surely this is saving GPs’ time and money?