Table 3: Suggested urgency of referral to ophthalmologists
| Eye conditions | Referral to ophthalmologists | |
| No retinopathy | Follow up by primary care providers at least annually | |
| Mild NPDR |  9
months |
|
| Moderate NPDR | 3-5
months |
|
| Severe NPDR | 1-2
months |
|
| PDR | Urgent or 1-2
weeks |
|
| Macular oedema or exudate | 2-4
months |
|
| Sudden visual loss | Immediate referral |