NEARLY 7,000 people in East Lancashire who are suffering from diabetes could be missing out a vital eye screening test.

People with diabetes can develop retinopathy, a deterioration of the back of the eyes which can eventually lead to blindness.

Campaigners say that both Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire primary care trusts have good retinal screening programmes available.

But the take-up is only 71.9 per cent in the East Lancashire PCT area, covering Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, and just 66.4 per cent in Blackburn with Darwen.

As reported previously by the Lancashire Telegraph's Health Check, the condition is particularly prevalent among members of the Asian community, with as many as one in 10 people known to have the condition.

Health experts from Diabetes UK say that the digital retinal screening test, offered by the PCTs, should not be mistaken for the standard sight test, conducted by high street opticians.

The process involves the use of a digital camera to spot signs of deterioration to the retina, at the back of the eye.

Their figures show that just over one in three diabetes sufferers in East Lancashire could be missing out on such screening.

This week Diabetes UK has launched a campaign, Your Vision, to make diabetes suffers aware of the potential harm they could be doing to themselves.

Jenne Dixit, a Diabetes UK spokesman, said: "People from socially-deprived communities and from South Asian backgrounds are especially less likely to access diabetes services in the region.

"There are around 55,835 people from South Asian backgrounds living in East Lancashire and it is estimated that one in 10 people in the South Asian community have diabetes."

The health charity is calling for more literature to be produced in a range of languages to ensure the retinal screening message is driven home.

The awareness drive is being backed by a campaign event at the Bangor Street Health Centre in Blackburn on November 2.

Staff from Diabetes UK and local health professionals will be on hand to provide advice and information about retinopathy.

For more information on retinopathy or how to attend the Bangor Street session call Juliet on 0207 424 1108.