​Graphic depiction of the effects of retinopathy released during National Eye Health Week

The actor Brian Cox is supporting a Diabetes Scotland and RNIB Scotland campaign to promote eye tests.

The actor who lives with diabetes explains why he gets regular eye checks as part of the How Do You See Scotland? campaign, launched during National Eye Health Week.

A short advert narrated by the X-Men star will be run in Scottish cinemas from this week

The advert opens with images of beautiful scenery that become gradually obscured by dark blotches, mimicking the effects of diabetic retinopathy, a potential complication of diabetes.

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.

"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."

Diabetic retinopathy happens when the eye's tiny blood vessels start to either leak or become blocked. This can lead to either loss of central vision or, at worst, total blindness.

Like Brian, over 291,000 people in Scotland are living with diabetes, and this number is rising every year. Attending regular retinopathy screening is an essential part of diabetes care for people, aged 12 or over, who are living with the condition.

Campbell Chalmers, director of RNIB Scotland, said: "Retinopathy is the single biggest cause of preventable sight loss among working-age people. That's why it's so important that everyone with diabetes attends the eye check-ups that are an essential part of their diabetes care.

"During National Eye Health week we want to urge people to take care of one of the most precious things we have - our sight!"

Jane-Claire Judson, national director of Diabetes Scotland, said: "It is very concerning that over 42,000 people with diabetes in Scotland do not have a record of attending a retinopathy screening appointment in the last 15 months. Screening is vital to pick up early warning signs of damage to the eye so that people can get the treatment needed to prevent permanent damage.

"We need to understand why people are not attending their screening appointments and what can be done to remove these barriers. We hope the How Do You See Scotland? campaign will raise awareness of the issue and encourage more people to attend this essential diabetes healthcare service.".