Researchers caution that reducing screening frequency may compromise early detection, particularly for those at higher risk.

On 24 October 2023, a new study raised concerns that extending the interval between diabetic eye screenings to two years could increase the risk of sight loss for patients. The research highlights that while biennial screening aims to ease the burden on the NHS and reduce inconvenience for diabetics at low risk, it may fail to identify problems early enough for effective treatment. Diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, requires timely intervention, and experts argue that reducing the frequency of eye exams could result in missed diagnoses for those who might be at greater risk. The findings have sparked a debate on the balance between healthcare capacity and patient safety, particularly as healthcare services continue to face growing pressures.