Arden, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme

03/08/2026

Big figures in July!
✅ 6,886 people attended their appointment
🙅 1,719 people missed theirs but don't worry you can rebook at a time and place that suits you.
Don't wait — secure your new appointment now. We're here to help! 💙

02/08/2026

01/08/2026

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your diagnosis today, remember this: You are one of 420 million. 🤝
Behind that massive number are millions of resilient individuals navigating the same highs and lows. We are a global community, and there is strength in our shared experience.
Drop a 💙 in the comments to show some love to our global diabetes family! 🌍✨

27/07/2026

Why do we use dilation eye drops during your appointment? 👁
They widen your pupils so we can capture clear images of the retina (back of your eye) to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy. Early detection protects your vision.
If you have missed your screening appointment, no matter how long it’s been, please contact us. If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support, we can help with that too.
📩 [email protected]
☎️ 01905 896333
💻 Or visit our patient portal where you can manage your appointments online http://portal.AHWdesp.co.uk

24/07/2026

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17/07/2026

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What amazing feedback!🌟

16/07/2026

👁️💙👁️July is Dry eye Awareness month👁️💙👁️

Dry eye syndrome — a condition that's far more common in the UK than many realise.

It's not just about feeling a bit dry. Symptoms can include:

🔥 Burning or stinging
⏳ A gritty, sandy sensation
🌫️ Blurred vision that comes and goes
😵 Sensitivity to light
👁️ Watery eyes (yes, really — it's a reflex response!)

Why it happens:

Central heating and air conditioning drying out the air
Staring at screens for hours (we're all guilty!)
Cold, windy British weather
Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants)
Ageing — tear production naturally decreases
What helps:
✅ Follow the 20-20-20 rule for screen breaks
✅ Use a humidifier, especially in winter
✅ Stay hydrated
✅ Try warm compresses to unblock oil glands
✅ See your local optician for a proper dry eye assessment

15/07/2026

🏆 CHAMPIONS ON AND OFF THE COURT 🏆

Alexander Zverev – world-class tennis star, Olympic gold medalist, and proof that diabetes doesn't define your limits.

Living with type 1 diabetes hasn't stopped Zverev from competing at the highest level of professional tennis. His message is clear: sport is not just possible with diabetes – it's powerful medicine.

🏃 Why sport matters for diabetes management:

✅ Improves insulin sensitivity
✅ Helps maintain healthy blood glucose levels
✅ Reduces the risk of complications
✅ Boosts mental health and confidence

Zverev manages his blood sugar during grueling matches that can last hours. He checks his levels regularly, adjusts his insulin, and fuels his body smartly. The same principles apply whether you're playing a Grand Slam final or going for a 30-minute walk.

💪 You don't need to be a pro athlete to move. Start small. Walk. Swim. Cycle. Play with your kids. Every step counts.

🎾 As Zverev says: "Diabetes is part of my life, but it doesn't control my life. I control it."

Tag someone who needs to hear this today. Let's move together. 💙

07/07/2026

The countdown is on for Alcohol Awareness Week and this year's theme is 'Alcohol and me'.

In a world where big alcohol companies glamorise alcohol as central to everyday experiences – from birthdays and barbecues to sofa nights and cheering on our team – it’s understandable that alcohol often feels like an inevitable part of so many of our lives.

So, this Alcohol Awareness Week we’re inviting a different conversation and asking: how might alcohol truly be impacting our lives and what can we do about it?

We'll be sharing stories, tools and advice all week long and you can help us to spread our message!📢

Find out more about this year's theme and download your free digital resources to help people in your community⬇️
https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/alcohol-awareness-week-1