FOUR people were referred to their GP for further testing for diabetes during the free diabetes screening day organised by Swindon Lions on Thursday.

The screening, to publicise World Sight Day attracted 115 people to the former Oxfam shop in Regent Street.

Specialist diabetes nurse, Sarah Fitzpatrick carried out the simple blood tests which are designed to alert people if they might be at risk of developing diabetes which can cause severe vision loss and sometimes blindness.

Lions World Sight Day is a global initiative sponsored by Lions Clubs International and is held annually on the second Thursday in October to raise awareness about sight related issues.

Swindon Lions has been involved in the screening for the past six years, encouraging people to pop in while they are out shopping to take the simple test.

"It only takes a few seconds to have the blood test," said Swindon Lion Stephen Austin. In most cases the majority of people will be all right but if we can identify a risk for one or two people it is worth it."

Diabetic eye disease is a general term for the visual complications that result from diabetes. Nearly half the people who develop the condition will develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy with the early stages difficult to spot.

If caught early it is possible to prevent vision loss with laser surgery.

Swindon Lions Club would like to thank Sarah and SEQOL for their invaluable assistance in helping the people of Swindon.