Sickle Cell Intervention

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Sickle Cell Intervention SCII is not for profit organization in research, training, advocacy, monitoring and education.

15/10/2026

👁️ Sickle Cell & Your Eyes What You Need to Know

Sickle Cell Retinopathy happens when sickle-shaped red blood cells block or damage the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina at the back of your eye. In the early stages, there are often NO symptoms you can see clearly while damage is quietly developing. By the time you notice changes, vision loss may already be difficult to reverse.



🩺 NHS Guidance at a Glance

- ✅ Annual retinal screening from age 10 onwards even if your vision feels perfect
- ✅ Especially important if you have HbSC or are on iron chelation therapy
- ✅ Daily penicillin continue as prescribed to prevent serious infection
- ✅ Keep vaccinations up to date
annual flu and pneumococcal vaccines
- ✅ Avoid known triggers extreme cold, dehydration, smoking, high altitudes



💛 Why It Matters

Early detection means simple, effective treatment monitoring, laser therapy, or medication can protect your vision. Skipping that one appointment could cost your sight forever. Your eyes deserve just as much care as your blood they are part of you.

"Don't wait until you can't see the difference. Early checks save sight."



🙏

📢 PRESS RELEASE | SICKLE CELL DISORDER AND THE WORKPLACEA person's health condition should not define their professional...
13/10/2026

📢 PRESS RELEASE | SICKLE CELL DISORDER AND THE WORKPLACE

A person's health condition should not define their professional potential.

Sickle Cell Intervention International (UK) is calling for greater workplace awareness, understanding and practical support for people living with sickle cell disorder.

From reasonable adjustments and flexible working to hydration, confidentiality and fair treatment, employers have an important role to play in creating inclusive working environments.

People living with sickle cell disorder have talents, ambitions and valuable contributions to make. Let us move beyond awareness and turn understanding into meaningful action.

Together, let us build workplaces where people living with sickle cell disorder can work, progress and thrive with dignity.

Please share this message with employers, HR professionals, colleagues and decision-makers.

Sickle cell retinopathy is a leading cause of avoidable sight loss in people with sickle cell disease, yet it is often s...
07/10/2026

Sickle cell retinopathy is a leading cause of avoidable sight loss in people with sickle cell disease, yet it is often silent until vision is threatened. Regular dilated retinal screening, beginning in childhood, allows early detection and timely laser treatment. Surgery in sickle eyes calls for modified perioperative care, and good outcomes depend on close teamwork between ophthalmology, haematology and primary care.
Greater awareness is still needed among patients, families and clinicians.

Organisations such as Sickle Cell Intervention can help by educating communities about the importance of eye screening and by supporting further research into screening uptake and early macular changes. Early recognition, education and collaboration remain the most effective ways to protect sight.

Check the article below ■■■■■■■■♡

https://elizabethk17.wordpress.com/2026/10/07/sickle-cell-retinopathy-recognition-screening-and-management/

Sickle Cell Intervention | Learning, Collaboration & Capacity Building 🇬🇧It was a privilege to attend the Sickle in View...
07/10/2026

Sickle Cell Intervention | Learning, Collaboration & Capacity Building 🇬🇧

It was a privilege to attend the Sickle in View: Capacity Building and Networking United Kingdom event in London.

The event provided an important platform for professionals, advocates and members of the sickle cell community to exchange knowledge and explore approaches that can improve outcomes and quality of life for people living with sickle cell disorder.

Among the important areas discussed were:

🔹 Sickle Cell Retinopathy – the importance of recognising and managing complications affecting eye health.

🔹 Women’s Health in Sickle Cell Disorder – addressing the specific health needs and experiences of women.

🔹 Mental Health – recognising the psychological and emotional impact of living with sickle cell disorder.

🔹 Sickle Cell Crisis, Trauma-Informed & Holistic Care – looking beyond the immediate physical presentation of crisis and considering the individual’s wider emotional, psychological and social experiences.

🔹 Nutrition – recognising the important role of appropriate nutrition and nutritional support in the overall wellbeing and management of people living with sickle cell disorder.

🔹 Gene Therapy – exploring the evolving landscape of advanced therapies and what emerging treatments could mean for the future of sickle cell care.

For Sickle Cell Intervention, education and research remain at the heart of our mission. These conversations remind us of the importance of bringing together clinical expertise, lived experience, research, nutrition, mental health and emerging therapies.

We must continue to ask important questions, share knowledge and advocate for care that is person-centred, holistic, evidence-informed and equitable.

The future of sickle cell care requires collaboration and every voice matters. There is so much to be done in all areas especially SCD and Retinopathy.

Sickle Cell Intervention
Saving lives. Raising hopes. ❤️

30/09/2026

👁️ SICKLE CELL RETINOPATHY

WHAT IS SICKLE CELL RETINOPATHY? 🩸👁️

Sickle cell retinopathy is a common but often silent eye complication of sickle cell disorder and it can threaten sight if overlooked. Here’s what everyone needs to know:



🔍 SIMPLY PUT

Sickle-shaped red blood cells block the tiny blood vessels that supply the retina the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. Blocked vessels, no oxygen, damage. The body tries to grow new vessels to fix it but these new vessels are fragile, leak easily, and can cause serious harm.



⚠️ TWO STAGES

✅ Non-Proliferative (Early)

- Vessels blocked, small bleeds may happen
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- Often NO symptoms you won’t feel it
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- Detected only through specialist eye exams

🔴 Proliferative (Advanced)

- Fragile new vessels grow abnormally
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- Can cause bleeding inside the eye, scarring, retinal detachment
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- Risk of permanent vision loss without treatment
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- More common in HbSC type stay extra vigilant



👀 WATCH FOR THESE SIGNS

- ⬜ Dark spots, squiggly lines, or "cobwebs" floating in your vision
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- 🌫️ Blurred or dimmed vision
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- ⚡ Flashing lights
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- 🧊 A shadow or "curtain" falling over part of your sight



🛡️ PROTECT YOUR SIGHT

- 📅 Eye exams every 2–3 years sooner if changes are found
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- 💧 Stay hydrated, keep warm, follow your care plan
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- 💊 Treatments like hydroxycarbamide protect eyes too
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- 🔬 Early detection = laser treatment works well and preserves vision



💛 THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

It can happen without pain and without warning. By the time vision blurs, damage may already be advanced. Regular screening is your best defence.

Don’t wait for symptoms. Get checked. Protect your sight. 👁️✨



Sources: NICE Guidelines · Sickle Cell Society · Royal College of Ophthalmologists, Optical Express

30/09/2026

💋 BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE | AG MOLLIFIER WOMAN

✨ A Special Edition. A Meaningful Cause. A Touch of Love. ✨

At AG Mollifier Woman, beauty is more than just a lifestyle. It is about making a difference. ❤️

We are proud to introduce our Special Edition Lip Balms, created to sickle cell Intervention(UK) and its mission to raise awareness, promote education, and support the sickle cell community.

Every lip balm represents more than beauty. It represents compassion, hope, and solidarity with individuals and families affected by sickle cell disorder.

💄 A little touch of beauty. ❤️ A meaningful act of support. 🌍 A shared commitment to making a difference.

Together, we can make beauty a force for good.

📢 Support the cause. Share the message. Make a difference.

AG Mollifier Woman × Sickle Cell Intervention

Your lifestyle. Your expression. Your elegance.

30/09/2026

Sickle Cell Nutrition: What patients and providers need to know.

Taking place a RIU Hotel London Westminster this coming October 6th.

As September Comes to an End Let’s Keep the Conversation Going ❤️ September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, but awarene...
30/09/2026

As September Comes to an End Let’s Keep the Conversation Going ❤️

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, but awareness should never end when September does.

At Sickle Cell Intervention, we are now placing a strong focus on an area that deserves greater attention: Sickle Cell Disorder in the Workplace.

For many people living with sickle cell disorder, employment can bring challenges that are not always visible or understood including pain episodes, fatigue, medical appointments, hospital admissions, hydration needs, and the importance of appropriate workplace support.

Our goal is to promote education, understanding, inclusion and practical support for employees, employers, HR professionals and colleagues.

The workplace should be a place where people living with sickle cell disorder can contribute, develop their careers and thrive without being defined by their condition.

As September ends, let’s not end the conversation.

Let’s continue educating.
Let’s continue advocating.
Let’s continue creating more understanding workplaces.
❤️ Sickle Cell Intervention
Saving lives. Raising hopes.
Education • Research

🍂 AUTUMN IS HERE LET’S TALK ABOUT SICKLE CELL DISORDER 🍂As the seasons change and temperatures begin to drop, people li...
30/09/2026

🍂 AUTUMN IS HERE LET’S TALK ABOUT SICKLE CELL DISORDER 🍂

As the seasons change and temperatures begin to drop, people living with sickle cell disorder may need to take extra care of their health and wellbeing.

🌡️ Cold weather can be challenging. Exposure to cold temperatures may cause blood vessels to constrict, potentially contributing to pain and other complications for some people with sickle cell disorder.

💧 Stay hydrated
Even when you don't feel as thirsty in cooler weather, maintaining good hydration remains important.

🧥 Keep warm
Dress in layers, protect yourself from cold temperatures and avoid sudden changes from warm to cold environments where possible.

🩺 Know your body
Pay attention to early changes such as increasing pain, unusual tiredness, breathlessness, fever or other symptoms that concern you. Follow your individual care plan and seek medical advice when necessary.

🍎 Nourish your body
A balanced diet, adequate fluids and regular meals can support overall wellbeing.

🏠 Plan ahead
Whether you're going to work, school, travelling or simply enjoying autumn outdoors, think about what you may need to stay comfortable and well.

Autumn should be a season to enjoy not a season to ignore your health. 🍂

At Sickle Cell Intervention, we remain committed to EDUCATION and RESEARCH empowering individuals, families, workplaces and communities with knowledge about sickle cell disorder.

❤️ Saving lives. Raising hopes.



This is educational information and does not replace individual medical advice. People living with sickle cell disorder should follow their personalised care plan and contact their healthcare professional when concerned about symptoms.

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Manor Road
Gillingham

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Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

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