More than 9 million Canadians live with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and it is on the rise. Diabetes is a beast of a disease. It causes damage to all body organs. The eyes suffer to a large degree when sugar levels are uncontrolled. Vision and prescriptions can fluctuate in a short period of time. Diabetics require very close monitoring every 6 months by an Optometrist. Diabetics sometimes require additional management by an ophthalmologist.
Some provinces cover the cost of annual diabetic eye health exams; see the insurance page for more information.