We are testing a new digital camera in our Diabetic RetinaScreen programme.
This is part of a quality improvement project to make screening more comfortable, more accessible, and easier for people to attend.
The new camera can take clear, high-quality images of the back of the eye (the retina) without using eye drops.
Why we are doing this
At the moment, we use eye drops to dilate pupils during eye screening. This can cause blurred vision for several hours, make eyes sensitive to light, and mean people cannot drive or return to work straight away.
We know this can make it harder for some people to attend screening.
This project is about removing these barriers and improving the overall screening experience.
About the new camera
The camera uses advanced technology to take high-quality images of the retina without eye drops.
- It can capture clear images in most people.
- Only a small number of people may still need eye drops.
- Similar cameras are already used in other countries.
This means we can improve the screening experience while also maintaining quality and safety.
Quality and safety are central to this project.
- Staff will receive training to use the new camera.
- We will have clear pathways if eye drops are still needed.
- We will continue to follow clinical and quality assurance standards.
When and where we are testing the new camera
The project started at the end of April 2026 and will run until the end of May 2026.
We are testing the camera in 2 locations:
- Tallaght in Dublin
- Tullamore in Offaly.
This will help us understand how it works in different settings and for different populations.
Benefits for people eligible for screening
If you are invited to take part in Diabetic RetinaScreen using one of the new cameras, and you agree to take part:
- you will not need eye drops to dilate your eyes
- you will not have blurred vision or sensitivity to light after your appointment
- you can drive after your appointment
- you can return to work or normal activities straight away
- your appointment may be quicker as you will not need to wait for eye drops to take effect
- your experience should be more comfortable.
Taking part is your choice. You can accept an appointment using the new camera or you can choose a standard appointment with eye drops. We can arrange this for you.
Improving access and equity
Using this new camera for diabetic eye screening will make it easier for people to attend their appointment.
It could help us reach more people such as:
- people who do not like using eye drops to dilate their eyes
- people relying on someone to take them to and from their appointment
- people who have difficulty taking time off work to attend screening
- people with limited access to transport
- groups who are less likely to attend screening.
What happens next
We will carefully evaluate how the new camera works in practice. We will look at attendance rates, patient feedback and experience, and image quality and clinical safety.
We’ll use this information to decide if the camera could be introduced more widely and to inform future national screening guidelines.
More person-centred screening
By testing and learning from this quality improvement project, we aim to improve Diabetic RetinaScreen and support more people to protect their sight.
By using this new camera and removing the need for eye drops, we could:
- make screening easier to attend
- improve comfort during the eye screening appointment
- support more people to take part.
- Diabetic RetinaScreen is for everyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes aged 12 and over.
- Diabetic eye screening looks for changes to the back of your eyes (the retina) that could be the sign of an eye disease called retinopathy.
- When diabetic retinopathy is found early, treatment can reduce or prevent damage to your eyesight.
- Diabetic RetinaScreen is free of charge and if treatment is needed, this is also free.