Diabetic retinopathy is the fifth leading cause of global blindness, affecting an estimated 1.8 billion people and responsible for 4.8% of blindness.1 In South Africa, it is the third leading cause of blindness after cataract and glaucoma, and is responsible for 5% of blindness (0.04% of the total population). Cataract and refractive error are prioritised for the first phase of Vision 2020 in South Africa, while strategies to deal with diabetic retinopathy are recommended as a priority for the second phase.2 These strategies will include provision of adequate screening and argon laser treatment.