ONE of Stirling's most iconic landmarks is being used during eye health Week to highlight the importance of specialist check ups for people with diabetes.

An image of the Wallace Monument has been used to illustrate the effects of diabetic retinopathy as part of the 'How Do You See Scotland?' campaign by Diabetes Scotland and RNIB Scotland, supported by actor Brian Cox CBE.

According to latest figures from the Scottish Diabetes Survey 2016, over 2,200 of the 16,503 people who are eligible for diabetic retinopathy screening in the Forth Valley area do not have any record for the previous 15 months.

Diabetic retinopathy is a potential complication of diabetes and the leading cause of preventable sight loss in working age adults. The ‘How Do You See Scotland?’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the condition and the importance of attending regular screening.

As part of the campaign, the charities have released a series of photographic images of iconic Scottish landmarks obscured by the effects of retinopathy.

Brian Cox said: “Like many Scots, I am living with diabetes and I am aware of the various challenges it can bring.

“To help me stay healthy, I make sure I attend my diabetes check-up appointments, including retinopathy screening, and I encourage all people with diabetes to do the same.

“Sight loss is a potentially devastating complication of diabetes which can develop if people are not supported to manage their condition well. However, regular retinopathy screening means that changes to the eye can be detected early enough to allow treatment which can prevent further deterioration and irreversible damage.

“I’m proud to support the ‘How Do You See Scotland?’ campaign from Diabetes Scotland and RNIB Scotland during National Eye Health Week.

“Don’t lose sight of what’s important; get your eyes checked.”