Canadian Ophthalmological Society Urges Early Detection as Diabetes Awareness Month Approaches

Thursday, November 6 2025 | 08 h 09 min | News

As Diabetes Awareness Month nears, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is sounding the alarm on a serious knowledge gap among Canadians about diabetes-related vision loss.

A new national survey commissioned by COS found that only one in four Canadians (25%) are familiar with diabetic retinopathy, one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. Despite widespread recognition of eye health importance, three in four Canadians remain unaware that diabetes can cause vision loss.

“Three in four Canadians are unaware that diabetes can cause vision loss, which puts many individuals at risk,” said Dr. Mona Dagher, President of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. “For those living with diabetes, early detection is critical as it allows eye care professionals to identify retinal changes before significant damage occurs and provide timely treatment or referrals. Protecting your vision starts with awareness and action.”

Awareness Lags Behind Other Eye Diseases

The COS survey highlights a troubling contrast between public familiarity with common eye conditions like cataracts (65%) and glaucoma (53%), versus only 25% awareness of diabetic retinopathy. Familiarity is slightly higher among older adults (27% among those aged 55+) and women (27% versus 23% for men), but remains low overall — particularly concerning as diabetes rates continue to climb across all age groups in Canada.

Innovation and AI Could Help Close the Gap

While 92% of Canadians say it’s important to have access to advanced eye exams and treatments, only 75% believe they actually have that access. The COS points to technology and innovation as key tools to bridge the gap, with over half (52%) of Canadians open to using artificial intelligence in diagnostic support.

“We’re seeing rapid advances in diagnostic imaging and AI-supported screening that can help ophthalmologists detect diabetic eye disease earlier than ever before,” added Dr. Dagher. “But awareness and access are equally important; Canadians need to know when to get checked and where to go.”

A Call to Action During Diabetes Awareness Month

The COS urges all Canadians living with or at risk of diabetes to schedule comprehensive eye exams regularly. Early detection can prevent up to 90% of vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy, underscoring the critical role of routine eye care in managing overall health.

Source: Canadian Ophthalmological Society

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