Ocular disease in the diabetic elderly

Diabetic retinopathy is a significant complication for the older diabetic p atient. Visual loss often can be prevented, ameliorated, or delayed, but ti mely referral is key. Even those who cannot be helped medically or surgical ly can be assisted in making use of remaining visual function and other rem aining senses. Many patients are not screened or referred according to Amer ican College of Physicians/American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines and thus are not receiving the best possible care.