Diabetic Eye Exams in Riverside, CA

Diabetic Eye Exams in Riverside, CA

Calm and unhurried, but thorough. We screen for and monitor the eye changes diabetes can cause, so small problems are caught and followed before they affect your vision.

Book an Appointment Call (951) 498-3937
5.0Hundreds of Google reviews Best of Inland Empire 2026 winnerBest of Inland Empire 2026 Winner

If you are living with diabetes, a yearly eye exam is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your sight. At Visionaire Optometry Spa, a Riverside optometry practice with a spa-inspired approach to care, we make a diabetic eye exam in Riverside feel calm and unhurried while staying thorough. Dr. Sana Shakil, OD, and our team screen for and monitor the eye changes that diabetes can cause, so small problems can be caught and followed before they affect your vision.

Why choose us

Catching change before it reaches your vision

Widefield retinal imaging

A wide-view photo of the retina that we can compare against future visits to spot subtle change.

Dilated retinal evaluation

The reliable way to detect diabetic changes early, at the stage they are easiest to monitor.

A baseline, year to year

Regular exams give us a record to compare against, which helps protect your vision over time.

Coordinated with your care team

With your permission we send findings to your primary care provider or endocrinologist.

Why diabetic eye exams matter

Diabetes can affect the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy and related changes often develop without noticeable symptoms, which means your vision can seem fine even as changes are beginning. Because you may not feel or see a difference early on, a dilated exam is the reliable way to detect these changes at a stage when they are easiest to monitor and manage. For this reason, an annual dilated eye exam is recommended for people with diabetes, and your care team may suggest more frequent visits depending on your health. Regular exams give us a baseline and a way to compare year to year, which helps us protect your vision over time.

Checking blood sugar at home

What a diabetic eye exam includes

A diabetic eye exam builds on a standard eye evaluation with a closer look at the retina and the structures diabetes can affect. During your visit, our team typically performs:

  • A dilated retinal evaluation so Dr. Shakil can examine the retina and its blood vessels in detail
  • Eye-pressure testing to help screen for glaucoma
  • Screening for diabetic retinopathy and macular edema, plus checks for cataracts and glaucoma

Many patients pair this with a full comprehensive eye exam to review overall eye health and vision at the same time. If we see signs that need ongoing attention, we can guide you toward the right next step, including glaucoma testing and co-management.

Widefield digital retinal imaging

As part of advanced diabetic and general eye care, we offer widefield digital retinal imaging, a wide-view photo of the retina that captures a broad area of the back of the eye. This retinal imaging helps us document what your retina looks like today and compare it against future visits, which supports earlier detection and clearer monitoring of subtle changes. The images can complement a dilated exam rather than replace it, giving Dr. Shakil a detailed record to review with you and to track over time.

Widefield retinal image of the inside of the eye

Coordinating with your care team

Your eyes are one window into how diabetes is affecting your body, and that information is often most useful when it is shared. With your permission, we can send our findings to your primary care provider or endocrinologist so everyone caring for you is working from the same picture. This kind of coordination helps connect your eye health with your overall diabetes management.

Rated 5.0 across 405 Google reviews

What Riverside patients say

Very satisfied with their service, my eye exam was very through since I had an eye surgery before (not lasik) and have other issues with my eyes, the optometrist went over all my options. Totally recommended, the front staff very courteous and professional.💝

Lupe S.

The staff provides friendly and personalized service, making the eye exam experience enjoyable. Their selection is outstanding, covering everything from unique glasses to trendy sunglasses. Will definitely be coming back to get fitted for contacts!

Arshi S.

Dr. Shakil is very knowledgeable and thorough! The staff is very friendly, and extremely helpful in choosing the right glasses and lenses! I’ve never been to an optometrist who truly cares for their patients!

Ashley H.
How it works

What a diabetic eye exam looks like

A dilated retinal evaluation

Dr. Shakil examines the retina and its blood vessels in detail, which a undilated look cannot do reliably.

Imaging and screening

Widefield retinal imaging and eye-pressure testing, plus screening for retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts and glaucoma.

Findings shared with your team

With your permission we pass what we found to the doctor managing your diabetes, so everyone works from one picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should someone with diabetes get an eye exam?

For most people with diabetes, an annual dilated eye exam is recommended. Some patients are asked to come in more often based on their health and any changes we find, and we will let you know what fits your situation.

Will my eyes be dilated?

Usually, yes. Dilation widens the pupil so we can see more of the retina, which is important for detecting diabetes-related changes. Your vision may be blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours afterward, so many patients arrange for a ride or bring sunglasses.

Does insurance or Medicare cover a diabetic eye exam?

Often, yes. Diabetic eye exams are frequently covered under medical insurance, though coverage varies by plan. We accept most major vision and medical plans, including VSP, EyeMed, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Medicare, and Medi-Cal, and we offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit. We are happy to help you understand your benefits before your visit.

What are symptoms of diabetic eye disease?

Early diabetic eye disease often has no symptoms at all, which is why regular exams matter so much. As changes progress, some people notice blurry or fluctuating vision, dark spots or floaters, or trouble seeing at night. If you have any of these, do not wait for your next scheduled visit to reach out.

Related services

Protecting your vision starts with one visit

We care for patients with diabetes across Riverside and nearby Orangecrest, Mission Grove, Woodcrest, Moreno Valley, and Corona.

Book an Appointment Call (951) 498-3937
Book Now