VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Diabetes: Eyesight

Asked by Fabian HamiltonLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 24 April 2025UIN 45455

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the eligibility criteria for NHS-funded eye tests on people living with diabetes.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock

Everyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes is eligible for a free National Health Service eye test, as there is a higher prevalence of some eye conditions amongst people with diabetes. In addition, due to the risk of diabetic retinopathy, all people with diabetes, aged 12 years old and over, are offered Diabetic Eye Screening free of charge. It is offered every one or two years, depending on the level of risk. Those with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy are offered more frequent surveillance.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim