Revisiting diabetes 2000: Challenges in establishing nationwide diabetic retinopathy prevention programs

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the Diabetes 2000 program, an initiative launched by the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1990 to improve nationwide screening of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to reduce the prevalence and severity of the condition. Design: Retrospective, observational case study of Diabetes 2000 program. Methods: This is a perspective piece with a review of literature and personal opinions. Results: Patients with diabetes are likely to see an increase in the disease burdens associated with DR unless effective programs for early detection and control of DR are implemented. Conclusions: Despite recent efforts to educate both patients and physicians alike about the importance of routine DR screening, the lessons learned from the Diabetes 2000 program illustrate the need for new strategies capable of improving accessibility to high-quality eye care, increasing involvement of primary care physicians in DR screening and encouraging at-risk individuals to seek testing.