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The Owls encourage fans to take up all important diabetic eye screening

Sheffield Wednesday are showing their support for National Eye Health Week (24-30 September), by encouraging fans to take up their annual Diabetic Eye Screening appointments.

Representatives from Sheffield’s Diabetic Eye Screening Service met with Sheffield Wednesday’s Community Programme and the first team to educate them on the risks of diabetic retinopathy, as well as highlighting the importance of attending screening appointments to ensure any problems are detected early. The hope is that the team will then pass this crucial information along to their fans, friends and families.

Scott Pickles, Programme Manager for the service, said: ‘’It is important that people are equipped with sufficient knowledge about diabetic retinopathy, as it can become sight-threatening if not closely monitored and treated promptly. Often brought on by high blood sugar levels and poor blood sugar control, it can be incredibly damaging to the back of the eye, potentially resulting in loss of sight.

‘’Everyone with diabetes, aged 12 or over, receives an annual invitation for diabetic retinopathy screening. These appointments are absolutely vital for detecting the condition before it is too late. If you, or a loved one are in this risk group, make sure you attend your appointment!”

Owls midfielder Adam Reach said: “The health and wellbeing of our supporters is paramount, so we want to urge all our fans with diabetes to take up their annual diabetic eye screening appointment. At the end of the day, half an hour out of your day, once every 12 months could save your sight – it really is a no brainer!”

The Owls will be collaborating further with the Diabetic Eye Screening Service, taking an active part in promoting National Eye Health Week, for the duration of the week. There will be specialist coverage in match-day programmes and campaign posters will be on display around the stadium, with leaflets handed out to fans in the club shop.

If you have diabetes, then there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of sight loss. As well as attending your annual screening appointments, make sure you exercise regularly, eat well, control your blood sugar levels and avoid smoking.

If you think you have missed your screening appointment you can call the team on 0114 2265475 to arrange another one.