The solution of the problem.

Diabetic retinopathy is now a treatable condition, in which blindness can be prevented in a large number of patients. To achieve this, physicians have to screen patients for retinopathy and control diabetes adequately. Ophthalmologists should acquire the expertise of photocoagulation and instruct others in the assessment of retinopathy. Regional centres (one or more per Region) should be set up around interested individuals. These centres' main function is to give prompt treatment facilities to patients and to educate ophthalmologists and physicians in the management of retinopathy. They should also be the centres of advances in treatment. If physicians and ophthalmologists work together, blindness may indeed be prevented in diabetic patients.