DRWF Events: Looking after your eyes with diabetes information morning

Latest in-person educational event focussed on eye health for people living with diabetes.

South coast event provided a wide range of presentations and resources for people living with diabetes and affected by sight-related complications.

Our recent Diabetes and Looking After Your Eyes event at the Solent Hotel in Whiteley, Hampshire was a huge success and enjoyed by everyone that attended. This topic specific event featured content on all aspects of diabetes and eye health.

We were joined by David Matthews, the Deputy Programme Manager and Stakeholder and Quality Assurance Manager, with Michaela Wood and Jane Clayson from the Engagement Team at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (Health Intelligence). They led the day in an informative presentation on diabetes, eye health, the importance of attending retinal screening appointments, how the service works, using the patient portal to access records and results and what the process is should diabetes-related retinopathy or any changes in eye health be detected.

Lee Calladine, DRWF Event Co-ordinator, said: “Looking after your eye health when you have diabetes is fundamental and has always been a core topic in DRWF's educational armoury.”

Delegates also had the opportunity to meet and chat with our visiting experts and exhibitors Luke, Emma and June from Dexcom, Martin from Noctura 400, Chris and Tracey from The Solent Diabetes Association, and Clare from Xyla Healthcare – The NHS Type 2 Prevention and Path to Remission Programme, Chris and Lindsey from Open Sight as well as the DRWF and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Diabetic Eye Screening Programme information stands.

After a mid-morning break for refreshments and tour of the exhibition stands we showed a specially recorded video by DRWF friend and supporter Bernie Warren about her own diabetes and lived experience of retinopathy, sight loss and her treatment journey.

Lee said: “Thank you to our amazing and long-serving volunteers Chris and Brian Edwards for supporting us on the day by meeting and greeting delegates and helping with registration and the smooth running of arrival refreshments and breakfast.

“Thank you, Bernie, for sharing your inspirational and personal message with us all.”

The event concluded with an informative and interactive Questions and Answers session hosted by Lee, David, Michaela and Jane. Plenty of hands went up during the hour and it was encouraging to see so many people with great questions wanting to know more about how to better manage their diabetes and eye health.

View presentations from the day along with links to further resources and our exhibitors at the United Through Diabetes Digital Hub

Read more about all upcoming DRWF Events

Read the DRWF diabetes information leaflet Eye health and diabetes