Silent Threat: Millions of Canadians Unaware Diabetes Can Steal Their Sight

Toronto, ON – November 4, 2025 – A concerning gap in public awareness regarding the link between diabetes and vision loss has been revealed in a new national survey by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). The study, released today, found that a staggering 75% of Canadians are unaware that diabetes can lead to blindness, highlighting a critical public health issue in a nation grappling with rising diabetes rates.

Diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among adults, develops when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Early detection and treatment are crucial – and can prevent up to 90% of vision loss – but the COS survey indicates that a vast majority of Canadians are simply unaware of the risk.

“The numbers are deeply concerning,” says a public health expert familiar with the survey data. “We’re talking about millions of Canadians who are potentially at risk of preventable blindness. The lack of awareness is a significant barrier to early detection and treatment.”

A Growing Problem in an Aging Population

Canada currently has over 3.4 million people living with diabetes, representing 9.3% of the population. That number is projected to rise to 4.2 million by 2029, driven by an aging population and increasing rates of obesity. Simultaneously, an estimated 1 million Canadians remain undiagnosed, unaware they are living with the condition and potentially damaging their vision without realizing it.

“The economic burden of diabetes is already substantial, at an estimated $19 billion annually,” explains a healthcare economist. “The cost of treating vision loss associated with diabetic retinopathy adds significantly to that burden, both in terms of direct medical expenses and lost productivity.”

The lack of awareness is further compounded by disparities in access to eye care across the country. While 92% of Canadians believe access to innovative eye exams and treatments is important, many face financial or geographic barriers to receiving comprehensive eye care.

Provincial Patchwork and Access Issues

Eye exams for adults are not universally covered by provincial healthcare plans. Coverage varies significantly across provinces, with some offering limited coverage for seniors or children, while others require individuals to pay out-of-pocket or rely on private insurance.

“There’s a real patchwork approach to eye care coverage across the country,” explains a source within a provincial health ministry. “This creates inequities in access, particularly for low-income individuals and those living in rural or remote areas.”

Individuals in these underserved communities often face longer wait times for appointments, limited access to specialized care, and the added burden of travel expenses. This creates a vicious cycle, where those most at risk of vision loss are least likely to receive the preventative care they need.

AI: A Potential Game Changer?

While access to care remains a challenge, technological advancements offer a glimmer of hope. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered diagnostic tools, such as IDx-DR and Google’s DeepMind, have shown promising results in detecting diabetic retinopathy with accuracy comparable to – and sometimes exceeding – that of human specialists.

These tools analyze retinal images to identify early signs of the condition, potentially enabling faster diagnosis and treatment. However, widespread adoption of AI in eye care faces challenges, including the cost of implementation, data privacy concerns, and the need for rigorous regulatory approval.

“AI has the potential to revolutionize eye care, particularly in underserved communities,” says a researcher specializing in AI applications in healthcare. “However, it’s not a silver bullet. We need to address the broader systemic issues related to access and affordability.”

Bridging the Awareness Gap

The COS survey underscores the urgent need for public health campaigns to raise awareness about the link between diabetes and vision loss. These campaigns should target at-risk populations, including those with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or a family history of the condition.

“We need to empower Canadians to take control of their eye health,” says a representative from a diabetes advocacy group. “This means educating them about the risk factors for diabetic retinopathy, the importance of regular eye exams, and the available treatment options.”

Furthermore, policymakers need to address the inequities in access to eye care by expanding coverage for adult eye exams and investing in telehealth solutions to reach underserved communities. A comprehensive approach, combining public awareness campaigns, improved access to care, and technological innovation, is essential to prevent a growing epidemic of preventable blindness in Canada.

The COS is planning a national awareness campaign launching later this month to address these concerns. The hope is to move the needle on public understanding and empower Canadians to prioritize their eye health before it's too late. “We can’t afford to ignore this silent threat any longer,” says a spokesperson for the society. “The future sight of millions of Canadians depends on it.”