Author | Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, FAAO

• Relatable patient education improves quality of care and prognosis • Although patients with moderate NPDR without DME can be followed every 6 to 9 months, when macular involvement is present patient needs more frequent follow-up • Patients with diabetic retinopathy need to be informed about importance of follow-up care even in the absence of their vision changes

If a complete examination is not possible in diabetic patients, pay close attention to the inferior retina.

When should ODs sends their patient to a retina specialist?

Vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy comes in different packages.