Screening in slit lamp clinics

You need a slit lamp appointment because we could not get a clear view of the back of your eyes using standard digital photography.

At this appointment you will have a retinal assessment by a trained examiner who will look at the back of your eye with a slit lamp machine. This involves you looking into a bright light for a few moments while the examiner looks at the back of your eye using a small lens. The examiner will be able to see around any obstructions such as cataract, previous trauma to the eye or any other opacities blocking the view of the retina.

The examination will only take a few minutes longer than taking photographs. You will be seen in the community by the same screening staff but it might not be at your local GP surgery.

The examiner will explain the result to you at the time of the appointment.

If the obstructed view of the retina is caused by cataract, you can return to photographic annual screening at your local GP surgery if the cataract is removed.

For more information visit the slit lamp examination page at the GOV.UK website.