What Happens during screening?

The screening test usually takes around 30 minutes.

At your appointment, screening staff will:

Explain the screening process and record your details and level of sight
Administer eye drops to make your pupils larger, so the retina can be seen more clearly
Take digital photographs of your retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye that acts rather like a film in a camera)

Please note that the photograph is painless and the camera does not come into contact with the eye. However, the eye drops may cause some stinging for a few seconds and blurred vision for between two to six hours after the test.

Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.