Diabetes UK
Hounslow Voluntary Group

Retinopathy Screening

We are very pleased to report that Hounslow PCT has commissioned a “Gold Standard” Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service (DRSS) in partnership with Ealing PCT, and your GP, which meets the highest standards for screening laid down by the Department of Health (NHS). 

The Service went live on 3^rd September 2007 

Our Chair has been actively involved with the implementation and specification of the DRSS as Diabetes UK and user representative. 

The DRSS is operated by a Company called Medical Imaging UK Ltd with 30 years experience in providing specialist eye care services to over 100,000 NHS patients throughout England.
The DRSS will automatically write to all Hounslow and Ealing patients suffering from diabetes and invite them to be screened. 

For Hounslow PCT patients, the screening take place at one of 3 sites at:

• The new Heart of Hounslow Health Centre, 92 Bath Road, Hounslow;

• The Feltham Health Centre; and also

• Acton Town Medical Centre, 122 Gunnersbury Lane Acton (Ealing Borders). 

There are a further 3 Screening sites to cover the Ealing PCT area. 

When the Screening Service started in September appointments were being allocated in relation to birth month.  As the DRSS  is now on target, and have capacity, for those patients who have not yet been screened, they may ring 020-8998-5541 and request an early appointment. 

If you cannot make the appointment, PLEASE DON'T SIMPLY NOT TURN UP.

If you wish to change the time of the appointment or wish for it to be at a different location, please contact the call centre on 020-8998-5541 and change your appointment to one that is more convenient for you.  If you have already received an appointment and missed it, the DRSS will be more than happy to arrange another - Please call the DRSS on 020-8898-5541 as soon as possible to arrange another appointment. 

It is vitally important that the health of your eyes is monitored in this new way for diabetic changes.  Please do not hesitate to contact the DRSS, your GP or your Nurse if you have any questions about Diabetes and the health of your eyes.  Diabetic Retinopathy Screening is an additional element of your health care and does NOT replace the need to see an optometrist annually for a free NHS sight test and general eye check.