People living with diabetes across Bassetlaw and neighbouring communities can now benefit from specialist diabetic eye screening services closer to where they live, following the opening of a newly refurbished clinic at Bassetlaw Hospital.
Developed by the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the dedicated facility has been designed to provide a more comfortable and accessible environment for patients while improving access to early diagnosis and specialist support.
The new clinic features a purpose-built waiting area complete with a welcoming mural and ample seating, alongside modern examination rooms equipped with advanced diagnostic technology. Patients attending appointments can undergo retinal photography, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and slit-lamp examinations, all of which are painless, non-invasive procedures used to identify signs of diabetic eye disease.
In addition to clinical assessment areas, the facility includes a dedicated image grading room, enabling specialist teams to review scans and photographs efficiently. Patients can typically expect to receive their final screening results within two weeks.
The service extends beyond screening alone. Specialist nurses provide tailored advice on diabetes management and eye health, helping patients better understand the wider impact diabetes can have across the body. Where further investigation or treatment is required, the team can facilitate timely referrals to ensure patients receive the appropriate care as early as possible.
Dr Shivani Dewan, Lead for the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme at DBTH, said:
“It’s wonderful to see this new facility now open and welcoming patients. We want people to feel comfortable and supported when they come for their screening, while giving our team the facilities they need to provide a thorough assessment.
“We’re continually looking at how we can make screening easier to access and better suited to the people who use our service. Sometimes that means bringing appointments into the community, and sometimes it means adapting the way we provide care for people with additional needs.”
The launch of the clinic forms part of a broader programme of work aimed at making diabetic eye screening more accessible for local communities.
Recent initiatives have included delivering screening services at Worksop Library, introducing outreach clinics within GP practices across Doncaster, and providing dedicated sessions for people with learning disabilities. The programme continues to adapt its services to better meet the needs of patients and remove barriers to accessing care.
DBTH says the investment supports its wider commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare in environments that are welcoming, inclusive and convenient for patients.
Denise Smith, Chief Operating Officer at DBTH, commented:
“We want to make sure people can access exceptional care in environments that are welcoming, comfortable and suited to their needs. Providing services in more convenient locations can make a real difference to people, particularly for those who may face barriers to accessing hospital care.
“This new clinic reflects our commitment to putting patients first, improving the environments in which care is delivered and continually looking for ways to provide a better experience for our patients, their families and visitors.”
Healthcare professionals are encouraging everyone living with diabetes to attend their diabetic eye screening appointments when invited. Diabetic retinopathy can develop without obvious symptoms, making regular screening essential for detecting changes early and preventing avoidable sight loss.
The Trust is also reminding patients that diabetic eye screening is separate from routine eye tests carried out by opticians. People with diabetes should continue attending both appointments to help protect their long-term eye health.
As demand grows, the Diabetic Eye Screening Service will continue exploring opportunities to bring appointments into community settings and tailor services around individual patient needs, helping to improve outcomes and enhance the overall patient experience across Doncaster, Bassetlaw and surrounding areas.
Image credit: iStock
