The Pitt County Health Department’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program is excited to announce a continued partnership with Prevent Blindness North Carolina to offer free Retinal Screenings. The Health Department, located at 201 Government Circle, Greenville, NC, will serve as the host site for these screenings on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Pre-registration is preferred, but not required. Space is limited.
Diabetes (specifically diabetic retinopathy) is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the United States. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy and proper care and treatment of diabetes can help prevent and/or delay blindness in people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends an annual dilated eye exam for all patients with diabetes. This screening involves taking a picture of the retina of the eye under a flash of light, and can detect eye health problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and other issues with the overall health of the eye.
This event is free and open to any adults wanting to check their eye health. However, the priority is to reach those who currently do not have vision insurance and cannot afford a visit to the eye doctor for this service. For those with detected eye problems who do not have insurance, vouchers may be available to cover the cost of a full eye exam and eyeglasses as needed.
In addition to the screening, the Pitt County Health Department offers an on-going Diabetes Self-Management Education class series and a monthly support group aimed at helping adults living with diabetes or prediabetes to develop a self-management plan that works for them and improves their quality of life.
For more information about the free retinal screenings scheduled for January 29, 2020, or about the Diabetes Self-Management Education Classes and monthly support groups, contact Angie Watson, CDE at 252-902-2361 or angie.watson@pittcountync.gov.