Background: Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a major microvascular complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM), resulting from prolonged hyperglycemia leading to gradual retinal damage and potential loss of sight. Early diagnosis through regular screening is vital to preserve as much as possible of the patient’s vision.

Aim: to assess the knowledge of diabetic patients regarding diabetic retinopathy and their practice and attitude toward it.

Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Imam Hassan Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology to assess knowledge. After obtaining verbal consent, data were collected using a paper-based questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 8 knowledge questions, 5 attitude questions, 13 practice questions, and an additional 7 questions for patients diagnosed with DR.

Results: There were 368 participants. The most commonly recognized risk factor was poor blood sugar control (59%). Over half (51.1%) were unfamiliar with treatment options for DR. Attitude responses showed that only 41% believed eye exams were necessary even with controlled blood sugar. In practice, 83.7% of those who had regular eye checks visited ophthalmologists, mainly for spectacle power checks or DR follow-up. Conclusion: Poor knowledge, attitude, and practice are still notable among the diabetic population about DR.

Moaiad Abdullateef Sabbar Almasoudy is an assistant professor at the College of Medicine, University of Kerbala, Iraq, with a clinical and academic focus in ophthalmology. He is actively involved in medical education, clinical practice, and research aimed at improving eye health and vision care. His research interests include refractive errors in children and adolescents, diabetic retinopathy, corneal diseases, and anterior segment disorders. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications in international journals, with research addressing pediatric refractive errors, the impact of smoking on corneal endothelial health, and awareness of diabetic retinopathy among patients with diabetes. He has presented his work at regional and international scientific meetings, including the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology Conference, where he presented a rare ophthalmic case. His academic and clinical activities are dedicated to advancing evidence-based ophthalmic practice, promoting early detection of eye diseases, and improving patient outcomes through research and education. He is the head of the Ophthalmology Department at Alsaida Zainab Center of Ophthalmology in Kerbala. He has performed thousands of different operations, including cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and squint surgery. With long experience in managing patients with diabetic retinopathy. He is responsible for the ROP screening program in Kerbala city.