The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the National Eye Institute's national eye health care program's goals are to eliminate preventable blindness as a sequala of diabetes by the year 2000. To successfully implement the program, there needs to be a collaborative effort between primary care providers and ophthalmologists. The various primary health care providers treat approximately 80% of the diabetic population and are therefore in an excellent position to screen patients at risk for vision threatening problems and arrange for timely ophthalmic referral. This article provides an overview of the progression of diabetic retinopathy, the latest research findings and the recommendations for treatment and eye care guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Diabetes Association. Patient education, early recognition of asymptomatic ocular manifestations, and timely referral and treatment are the keys to prevent blindness.