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Eye Care Services

Diabetic Eye Exams

Diabetes affects more than blood sugar — it's a leading cause of blindness in American adults. Annual retinal imaging catches damage before you notice any change in vision.

Diabetic Eye Care

Where Diabetes
Meets Eye Health

Diabetes affects blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy — damage to the retinal blood vessels caused by elevated blood sugar — is a leading cause of blindness in American adults and one of the most common complications of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The early stages of diabetic retinopathy are typically symptom-free, which means annual eye exams are not optional for people with diabetes — they are essential.

At A Glance

Diabetic Eye Health

Type 1 & 2

Diabetes Covered

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of both types of diabetes.

Annual

Exams Essential

Not optional — annual eye exams are essential for anyone managing diabetes.

0 Symptoms

Often Symptom-Free Early

Early-stage diabetic retinopathy is typically symptom-free, which is why imaging matters.

Diabetic Eye Care

Protecting Vision
Through Diabetes

Because a diabetic eye exam is a medical service, it is billed through your medical insurance — not your vision plan. We work with most major medical insurers and will verify your benefits before your appointment. If you have diabetes and haven't had a dilated or retinal photography exam in the past year, please call us at 480-515-2727 to schedule.

Digital Retinal Photography High-resolution images of the retina, optic nerve, and macula create a year-over-year baseline.
Macular Edema Screening Checking for fluid accumulation at the center of the retina that can distort central vision.
Billed Through Medical Insurance We work with most major medical insurers and verify your benefits before your appointment.
Retinal imaging scan displayed on clinical equipment during a diabetic eye exam at Visions Optique & Eyecare, North Scottsdale

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

At least once a year for all people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Those with diabetic retinopathy already diagnosed may need exams every 3 to 6 months, depending on severity. Don't wait for vision changes — the goal is to catch damage before it's felt.

Damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by elevated blood sugar. It's a leading cause of blindness in American adults, often completely symptom-free until advanced. Digital retinal photography detects it before you notice any change in vision.

A diabetic eye exam places extra emphasis on retinal imaging to screen for retinopathy and macular edema, and examines the optic nerve and lens for diabetes-related changes. The visit is billed through your medical insurance rather than vision insurance.

Book Your Visit

Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam

Don't wait for symptoms. Call or text us and we'll verify your medical insurance benefits before your visit. Annual diabetic eye exams are a covered benefit under most medical plans.

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