Prevent Blindness has established the Diabetes + the Eyes Advisory Committee to guide its diabetes-related eye health programs and education efforts. The volunteer committee includes experts in ophthalmology, optometry, public health, and the vision industry, as well as representatives from nonprofit organizations focused on diabetes, patient advocacy, and vision rehabilitation. Individuals living with diabetes and representatives from Prevent Blindness affiliates are also part of the group.

The committee will provide input on initiatives aimed at raising awareness and improving early detection of diabetes-related eye diseases, expanding access to care, supporting policy development, and advancing research. Diabetes-related retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among U.S. adults, affects more than 1 in 4 people with diabetes.

Guided by the new advisory group, Prevent Blindness is launching several initiatives:

• North Carolina pilot project: In partnership with Prevent Blindness North Carolina, the program will test educational materials for children and young adults with diabetes, expand tele-retinal screenings for those under 40, and improve care coordination.

• Bilingual Eye Health Audio Library: This resource will offer short, educational content on eye health, accessible via voice request and delivered by text message.

• Modular education program: Designed for eyecare and allied health professionals, the program will focus on patient-centered, bias-free care, informed by community research in five states, and offered through continuing education programs of ophthalmic and optometric associations.

These efforts build on existing resources, including the Diabetes + the Eyes Educational Toolkit launched in 2019, available in English and Spanish.

A full list of committee members, program details, and vision care financial assistance resources is available here.