Finding and treating eye disease early is key to maintaining good vision.

Screening for diabetic eye disease has saved many people from developing poor vision or even going blind.

A complete exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist can detect early eye damage. Because diabetic eye disease rarely affects your vision until it has become severe, it’s important to have an annual eye exam.

To help your primary care physician (PCP) keep your diabetes plan of care current, he or she needs a copy of your test results from your eye doctor.

To make sure you get the best care, we recommend that you ask your eye doctor to share the results of your eye exam with your PCP within two weeks of your eye exam. That way you can discuss the results with your PCP. It also helps make sure you get the right care at the right time.

In 2021, we surveyed many of our providers, and not quite half said they received eye exam results for their patients in a timely manner.  This is lower than the previous year's survey results.

So when you get an eye exam, be sure to ask your eye doctor to send your exam results to your PCP. 

If your doctor hasn’t talked to you about having an eye exam, make sure to ask about one at your next visit.

To find an eye doctor or specialist in your network, use our Provider Finder^® tool.

Have questions about eye exams and your vision benefits?* Call the customer service number on your member ID card.

*Benefits vary by plan. Check your plan details for more information.

Originally published 6/11/2020; Revised 2021, 2022