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Opinion Diabetes mellitus is one of the first diseases defined, with the oldest known description being an Egyptian manuscript from 1500 BCE [1]. Throughout history, different terms and tests were used to describe this disease; often referring to the sweet taste it gives urine. This unique characteristic even led certain physicians to taste their patients’ urine in order to screen for the disease. Since then, multiple screening tools have been used and developed for that disease. It is now more important than ever to use accurate and specific screening tests given the fact that diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent diseases, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide [1, 2]. Diabetes has long-term micro and macro vascular complications affecting predominantly the kidneys, the heart, the nervous system and the eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of the disease, affecting around 4 patients out of 5 who had the disease for over 20 years. It is a serious and frequent complication, being the leading the cause of blindness amongst working-aged patients. Over the past 15 years, many countries appear to have made a genuine effort to reduce the complications and consequences due to diabetic retinopathy. The St. Vincent Declaration sets a benchmark for the planning of future delivery of care to diabetic patients [3]. Multiple national screening programs have been developed using digital fundus photography, effective screening of diabetes has been proven to reduce the risks of visual impairment and the severity of the complications. The potential results of screening with digital retinography are particularly well …