Are any special tests needed, or can a regular doctor see me for my diabetic retinopathy?

Ophthalmologist: Most non-ophthalmologists are not trained nor have the equipment for examining the retina. There are tests that sometimes that need to be done as well that are only available in the ophthalmology office.

See an eye doctor: Diabetic retinopathy can only be treated by an ophthalmologist. Eye doctors have special equipment that can help visualize early signs of diabetic retinopathy, before it becomes severe, and can begin treatment early. You only get one pair of eyes; be sure to have them cared for by an ophthalmologist who treats diabetic eye disease.

See an eye doctor: When an ophthalmologist or optometrist sees diabetic retinopathy by doing a dilated retinal exam, a retina specialist can do further confirmatory testing (fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography) to stage and thus appropriately treat the retinopathy. Diabetics need to see their eye care provider at least once a year for a dilated retinal exam.