Diabetic Retinopathy Eye Test Perth & Fremantle

The health of your eyes and vision is important to us.

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What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an ocular complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels inside the eye. Whilst a patient may initially experience no symptoms, the condition can lead to marked vision impairment or loss of vision.

Diabetic retinopathy can develop in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The longer a patient has had diabetes, the more likely they are to develop retinal complications. Diabetes is one of Australia’s fastest growing chronic health conditions.  Despite this, many patients are still unaware of the damage that diabetes can do to eye health.

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Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy

Initially, there may be few or no symptoms of diabetic retinopathy.  As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

  • Changing eyesight

  • Blurry vision

  • Floaters (spots) in your vision

  • Dark or empty areas in your vision

  • Eyesight loss

What do I need to do if diagnosed with diabetes?

Regular eye examinations are essential.  We recommend that you have an annual eye examination.  Patients with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Management involves control of your blood sugar levels together with regular review of your vision.  Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy may prevent severe vision loss.

Please make sure that when you book online through our website that you select Diabetic Eye Examination, and the consultation time will be extended to 45 minutes.  Alternatively, when you call our practice request an extended diabetic eye examinatio. This allows time for a thorough examination and discussion of your vision care with your optometrist. 

What do I need to do if diagnosed with diabetes?

Diabetic retinopathy screenings are essential for detecting early signs of retinal damage in people with diabetes. Here’s what the process typically involves:

    1. Visual Acuity Test: Measures how well you can see using standard eye charts or devices.

    2. Retinal Examination: High-quality images of your retina are taken using ultra widefield digital retinal photography.  Fundus autofluorescence images are also recorded often with pupil dilation for a clearer view.

    3. Image Analysis: Out trained optometrists review the images for any signs of diabetic retinopathy.

    4. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides cross-sectional images of the retina to check for fluid buildup or changes in thickness of the macular and health of the optic nerve.

    5. Dilated Fundus Examination (DFE): Out optometrists will also examine the internal structures of your eye in detail after dilating your pupils.

  • A diabetic should be screened for eye disease as soon as they are diagnosed with diabetes and then regularly, at least every two years, even if they don't have any symptoms; if signs of diabetic eye disease are detected, more frequent screenings may be necessary, such as once a year.

    Key points about diabetic eye screening:

    • First exam at the time of diagnosis followed 

    • For most people with diabetes, a comprehensive eye exam every two years is recommended. 

    • Pregnancy with Diabetes: Screening early in the first trimester and as needed throughout.

    Follow-up exams depend on the severity of retinopathy. For no apparent retinopathy, screenings are typically every 1–2 years, while more severe cases may require six monthly monitoring. Early detection and regular screenings are vital for preventing vision loss. Schedule your diabetic eye exam today to protect your sight.

How does For Eyes optometrist support diabetic retinopathy treatment?

For Eyes Optometrist, is committed to helping you manage diabetic retinopathy with personalised care and guidance. Here’s how we support you:

  • We perform comprehensive eye exams to identify the earliest signs of diabetic retinopathy. Our practice is equipped with advanced technology, allowing many assessments to be completed directly in our practice, minimising the need for external referrals.

  • The grading of diabetic retinopathy is based on visual acuity, maintaining a digital database of the images captured and grading the severity of diabetic retinopathy.

  • Our team provides clear advice on the importance of regular eye check-ups, managing blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

  • If advanced treatment is required, we can refer you directly to an ophthalmologist and liaise with your GP to keep them informed every step of the way, ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care.

  • The results of the diabetic retinopathy screening will routinely be communicated to your preferred health practitioner.

  • For Eyes Optometrist are frequently engaged in health care plans to work together with your GP to offer ongoing monitoring and tailored advice to help you maintain your eye health.

This approach ensures that you receive thorough care and timely support to manage your vision effectively. In addition, our optometrists Sinead and Adrian have extensive experience, performing advanced imaging and diabetic retinopathy screening in a busy public hospital Eye Clinic at Fremantle Hospital. Book your diabetic eye exam today and take the first step in protecting your eyesight.

Meet the Optometrists

  • Adrian Rossiter

    Founder / Optometrist

    Adrian has over 35 years of experience as an optometrist in independent practice, as a contact lens adviser to industry and as a family eye care practitioner. His professional interests revolve around improving children’s vision and working with specialty contact lenses for adults and children.

    Read Bio

  • Sinead Denny

    Optometrist

    Sinead is passionate about all areas of Optometry including contact lenses, myopia control and Indigenous Eye Health. Sinead is also involved in running a Diabetic Eye Screening clinic at Fremantle Hospital and the supervision of students in the Doctor of Optometry at the University of Western Australia.

    Read Bio

  • Hannah Jackson

    Optometrist

    Hannah completed her Master of Optometry at Deakin University with distinction. She has a particular interest in paediatric optometry together with colour vision testing and low vision care. She holds an advanced certificate in children’s vision and is a CASA certified optometrist.

    Read Bio

Diabetic Screening FAQs

  • For a diabetic eye examination, please allow between 45 to 90 minutes. This allows for a detailed eye examination, including dilation of your pupils.

    Please let the staff know that you are booking in for a diabetic eye examination when you make an appointment so that we allocate an appropriate amount of time.

  • We do not recommend that you drive for at least two and a half hours after we have dilated your pupils for a dilated fundus examination. Please arrange to either be collected from the eye examination or arrange to return home via public transport.

  • Yes, diabetes can lead to blindness if eye conditions caused by the disease are left untreated. Diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes, is one of the leading causes of vision loss among adults.

    When blood sugar levels remain high over time, the fine blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) can become damaged. This damage can result in swelling, leaking blood, or the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

    How diabetes affects your vision

    • Diabetic retinopathy: High blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems. If untreated, this can result in severe vision loss or blindness.

    • Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO): Swelling in the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision) can cause blurred or partial vision loss.

    • Glaucoma: People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma as people without diabetes. Glaucoma is a sight threatening condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss.

  • Diabetes can impact your eyes without any symptoms developing.  In other cases subtle early symptoms to watch for are:

    • Blurred or fluctuating vision.

    • Floaters (dark spots or strings in your vision).

    • Dark or empty areas in your sight.

    • Difficulty with night vision or seeing colours clearly.

    • Sudden vision loss, eye pain, or redness.

    If you notice these signs, book an eye test immediately. Early detection is key to protecting your vision.

  • The frequency of screenings depends on your type of diabetes and risk factors noted above.

    In some cases yearly screening is appropriate and should be undertaken for patients in the following groups:

    • Duration of diabetes greater than 15 years

    • Poor Glycaemic control (HbA1c > 8%)

    • Systemic disease

      • Poorly controlled hypertension or lipids

      • Other diabetic complications (cardiac disease, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease).

      • Foot ulcers (neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease)

    • Indigenous or non-english speaking background.

    Regular screenings are vital for early detection and protection of your vision. Consult your optometrist to confirm the best schedule for you.

  • While vision loss to diabetic retinopathy is often permanent, making lasting improvements in your health can impact on your visual health. Managing your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels is crucial. Here’s how you can take control:

    • Healthy diet: Focus on balanced, nutritious meals.

    • Regular exercise: Stay active to support overall health.

    • Quit smoking: Protect your eyes and general well-being.

    • Follow your treatment plan: Take prescribed medications as directed.

    These lifestyle changes not only support your eye health but also benefit your heart, brain, kidneys, and overall health. Early detection and proactive management are key to preserving your vision. Book an eye test today to take the first step toward protecting your eyesight.

  • Quitting sugar won’t directly improve your eyesight, but it can significantly support your eye health and help prevent vision problems. Here’s how reducing sugar intake benefits your eyes:

    • Lower risk of diabetic retinopathy: Stable blood sugar levels help protect the retina from damage, reducing the risk of vision loss.

    • Impact on glaucoma: Reducing sugar helps maintain healthy blood vessels and blood perfusion to the optic nerve and may also help to maintain stable eye pressure, lowering the risk of glaucoma.

    • Reduced cataract risk: Lower sugar consumption may prevent lens swelling and clouding, which lead to cataracts.

    • Slowing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A low-glycaemic diet can help protect your retina and slow AMD progression. High sugar consumption, particularly from simple sugars, can promote inflammation in the body, which is considered a key factor in the progression of AMD.

    While quitting sugar won’t reverse existing vision issues, it’s a proactive step in maintaining long-term eye health. Pair a healthy diet with regular eye exams to safeguard your vision.

  • No. At For Eyes, we are a private billing practice. This allows us to prioritising your eye health and gives us the ability to invest in advanced technology, training and spend the right time to understand your concerns.

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