Diabetic Eye Exams
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, an annual diabetic eye exam is strongly recommended. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness in working-age adults, and it often develops with no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.
At Rhode Eyeland, we provide comprehensive diabetic eye exams for patients across North Kingstown, Wickford, and South County RI.
High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. Over time, those vessels leak, swell, and grow abnormally, threatening vision.
The earlier we catch these changes, the more treatment options exist — from tighter blood-sugar management to laser treatment to anti-VEGF injections, all coordinated with your primary care team and retinal specialists when needed.
How diabetes affects your eyes
Comprehensive vision and refraction check
Pupil dilation for a full retinal view
Slit-lamp examination of the front of the eye
Optic nerve and macula evaluation
Detailed retinal imaging (photography or OCT) when indicated
A written report we can send to your primary care provider or endocrinologist
What’s included in a diabetic eye exam
Anyone with Type 1 diabetes — yearly, starting 5 years after diagnosis
Anyone with Type 2 diabetes — yearly, starting at the time of diagnosis
Pregnant patients with pre-existing diabetes — early in pregnancy - gestational diabetes
Anyone with diabetes plus new vision changes — sooner rather than later
Diabetics that notice any visual changes or ocular health concerns
Who should schedule
We share findings directly with your endocrinologist or PCP so your full care team has the picture. Most medical insurance plans cover diabetic eye exams as a medical benefit — we will help verify benefits in advance.
Coordinated care with your medical team
FAQs
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Yes — dilation is necessary for a complete retinal evaluation in diabetic patients.
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Most patients prefer a ride or rideshare. Bring sunglasses for the drive — we have disposables on hand if you forget.
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Plan on over an hour, including dilation time.
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Usually no — most insurance plans allow you to schedule directly. We will confirm at booking.
“This was the best, most thorough eye exam I have ever had! I have diabetic retinopathy and all aspects of my disease were addressed along with this detailed eye examination. Thank you!”
Book your diabetic eye exam
Call to make an appointment
(401) 262-0042
