Meeting the challenge of diabetic blindness in the 90's.

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in adults in Singapore and it is increasing in incidence. The difficulties and problems of screening for diabetic retinopathy were discussed as well as strategies laid out for overcoming this disease of national importance. Cost considerations and savings in health costs were also discussed. The authors suggested ways of instituting a nation-wide Diabetic Screening and Education programme with hospital diabetic centre based clinic as well as a mobile screening service. A five-year screening plan as well as the costs and equipment necessary for such a programme were examined.