Written answers

Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Photo of Billy KelleherBilly Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1001. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that according to the National Cancer Screening Centre website the National Diabetic Retinopathy screening programme commenced in February 2013 and that according to the Health Service Executive's 2008 framework report on diabetic retinopathy, it has been internationally recognised that screening and treatment of diabetic retinopathy is one of the most cost effective interventions ever investigated, preventing 6% of potential blindness in year one; in view of the fact that the NCSS makes reference to ensuring that all risks to patients are minimised, if he will confirm that there is funding ring fenced by the Health Service Executive to treat these patients with licensed medications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27563/13]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The HSE-National Cancer Screening Service commenced the national diabetic retinopathy screening programme (Diabetic RetinaScreen) in February 2013.

Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and the leading cause of blindness among working age Irish adults. Approximately 10 per cent of the Irish diabetic population has sight-threatening Diabetic Retinopathy and around 90 per cent of this group will develop some form of retinopathy.

Diabetic RetinaScreen offers free, annual diabetic retinopathy screening to people with diabetes aged 12 and older (approximately 190,000 people). All people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes which affects the small blood vessels in the lining at the back of the eye and can lead to deterioration in vision. Eye screening uses specialised digital photography to detect, at an early stage, when it is effective at reducing or preventing damage to sight. The NCSS is working closely with treatment centres to ensure they are ready to provide timely, quality assured treatment as part of the programme.

A quality assurance framework and a central database of the eligible diabetic population has been developed for the programme. The first round of screening is being introduced on a phased basis, in line with the roll-out of the first round of screening across other international programmes. Approximately 30 per cent of the eligible diabetic population is expected to be invited in 2013. The remaining 70 per cent will be screened in 2014. Treatment is tailored on a case-by-case basis. Adequate funding has been assigned for the programme for 2013.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.