CVI is an imperfect system for many reasons. But we need to understand why there is a difference. Are more people offered certifications in Wales? Is the increase in diabetic retinopathy CVIs due to diabetes care, screening, treatment?

Questions that really need answering.

Higher risk for certification for visual impairment (CVI) in Wales compared to England due to any Cause (1.09 95%CI 1.07, 1010).

Since 2016 - increase in CVI's due to diabetic retinopathy in Wales from 47.1 to 55.5 per 100,000 people.

Pretty difficult sector to work in currently. List is only Russell group unis pretty much all are in similar if not worse positions

Definitely will do.

That’s Amazing hopefully there’s charities like you guys in all areas.

Are there any aids you find most useful? Or any you could recommend to help with diabetes management? I’m keen to learn more on this to advise diabetes teams what’s available

People with sight loss need diabetes to be accessible so they can manage as independently as possible.

The challenge to diabetes companies whether you make insulin, pens, pumps, CGM or HCL is:

Can you #SeeTheNeed so that no one is #LeftBehind

There are devices available that can help people with sight loss to see and read:

🔎Magnifiers
📚text readers
💬speech and magnification software

But these can be expensive 💷

#SeeTheNeed #LeftBehind

Some things that can help and be built into technology/apps:

High contrast allows more people with sight loss to see.

Coloured needles and tubes - why is everything black/white/clear?

Prefilled pump cartridges

flashing lights

#SeeTheNeed #LeftBehind

People with sight loss are worried if they speak up about their difficulties their diabetes technology will be removed.

They are excluded or become disengaged in clinic because they can't see what HCPs are trying to show them.

#SeeTheNeed #LeftBehind

In 2024 when innovation is everywhere why are people living with sight loss still counting clicks?

Alarms are great but do they all sound the same? Can you tell the difference between high/low glucose alarm?

Text to speak can't read TIR as it's a graph

#SeeTheNeed #LeftBehind

A survey @SwanseaMedicine found:

96% of HCPs had difficulty finding technology for people with sight loss

All HCPs thought diabetes self management would improve if technology was more accessible

#SeeTheNeed #LeftBehind

Diabetic retinopathy is not the only eye condition that causes sight loss in people with diabetes

They are also at higher risk of cataracts, glaucoma, AMD

3.2 million people globally have moderate to severe sight loss due to diabetic retinopathy

#SeeTheNeed #LeftBehind

Hey back 👋

Just joined too