AIMS:To estimate the prevalence of diabeticretinopathy among the diabetics attending the out patient department of health services in Northern state of India.METHODS: A descriptive population based cross sectionalstudy was carried out. All diabetics attended the OPD were examined on predetermined date and time . Detailed history, detailed ocular examination, height, weight, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar were recorded in a proforma with structured questionnaire on awareness of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy(DR). RESULTS: 500 patients  were examined  withfemale  preponderance  and  prevalence  of  NIDDM was 96%.The more the duration of diabetes ,the more frequency of DR Cases is seen.
.CONCLUSION: DR is becoming an important cause forvisual disability in India. Rural communities have limited access to medical services. Preventive measures have to be taken by creating awareness, screening programmes for detecting early disease. Early intervention and timely management are required to reduce the burden of visual loss due to DR.