The number of First Nations screened for diabetic retinopathy in the 12-month period who had also had a diabetes test in the 12-month period or in the year before, as a proportion of those who had a diabetes test – Australian Eye and Ear Health Survey (AEEHS) 2025 data.
Latest data
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines recommend a diabetic eye examination annually for First Nations people with diabetes, and at least every 2 years for non-Indigenous Australians with diabetes.
Based on the latest AEEHS data, 82% of First Nations survey participants and 71% of non-Indigenous participants reported having had an eye check within the recommended guidelines, with lower rates observed among younger participants.
The proportion of First Nations participants in the AEEHS with known diabetes who had a diabetic eye examination in the preceding 12 months varied by age. Rates were lowest among those aged 60–69 years (49%) and highest among those aged 70–79 years (67%). Among non-Indigenous participants, the lowest proportion was also observed in the 60–69 year age group, but rates were higher than those of First Nations participants across all age group except 70–79 years group (Figure 20).
