Experiences of people in Wales who are registered blind or partially sighted due to diabetic retinopathy

This preliminary research has identified that there are issues concerning a lack of understanding of the available information, both clinical and social, provided to people with diabetic retinopathy. An integrated holistic health and social care approach could satisfy the needs of the patient, where both their clinical needs and their social needs run in tandem. Access to information regarding training, education and employment needs to be addressed through further research. Problems with monitoring their diabetes are an issue for many visually compromised people with diabetes. The provision of visual awareness training for front line staff in all health care establishments would help to eliminate the difficulties faced by people with a visual impairment in accessing health care.