BIRMINGHAM diabetes patients are being screened for blindness in the largest programme of its kind in the country.

Medics at Heartlands Hospital, in Bordesley Green, urged diabetics from South Asian backgrounds to be tested.

Patients will have been sent an letter inviting them to register for the scheme, which allows them to be screened at more than 80 locations across the West Midlands.Programme manager Helen King said: “Diabetes is a major problem in the West Midlands, specifically Type 2, which has a higher presence in the South Asian community. Changes at the back of the eye can occur without the sufferer noticing any changes to their vision.

“When detected early, the retinal disease can be treated to preserve vision and help prevent blindness.”