Questions to Ask Your Primary Care Provider

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common eye disease in diabetic patients and is the leading cause of blindness in adults in the United States. In fact, more than 2 in 5 people living with diabetes have some degree of diabetic retinopathy, and every person who has diabetes is at risk of developing it.¹ 

Fortunately, 95% of vision loss can be prevented with early detection.² Making an annual retinal screening part of your diabetic management and treatment plan will enable your doctor to monitor changes in your eye health and prevent vision loss. We have put together this list of questions to ask your Primary Care Provider (PCP) on your next visit, so you can assess your risk of developing DR and prepare a comprehensive treatment plan.

Questions to Ask:

  • What is diabetic retinopathy?
  • What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?
  • Do I have diabetic retinopathy? What is my risk for developing it?
  • How can I protect my vision?
  • Do I need a comprehensive eye exam?
  • How often should I get one?
  • Can I get screened on my next visit or do I need to see a specialist (different appointment)?
  1. National Eye Institute website, “Diabetic Retinopathy”, Accessed December 12, 2019.
  2. American Academy of Ophthalmology website, “Sixty Percent of Americans with Diabetes Skip Annual Sight-Saving Exams”, Accessed December 12, 2019.