Knowledge of Diabetic Retinopathy Among Patients Attending Diabetic Clinics in Maiduguri, Borno State

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness among working-age adults and is closely linked to the management of systemic diabetes. This study assesses the level of knowledge about diabetic retinopathy among patients attending diabetic outpatient clinics at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in Borno State, North East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design will be employed, with 300 diabetic patients recruited through convenience sampling. A validated structured questionnaire will be administered to assess awareness of diabetic retinopathy, its symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of regular ocular examinations. Clinical records will also be reviewed to determine the proportion of patients with documented eye examination referrals. Data will be analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, and chi-square tests for associations. The study expects to find that the majority of participants have limited knowledge of the link between diabetes and eye disease, and that few have undergone a dilated retinal examination in the previous 12 months. Findings will highlight a critical gap in interdisciplinary care between endocrinologists and optometrists in northern Nigeria. Recommendations will focus on integrating routine optometric referral into diabetic care protocols and strengthening patient education programs in the North East geopolitical zone. This study contributes to the literature on diabetic eye disease in conflict-affected regions of Nigeria and advocates for stronger eye health integration within non-communicable disease management. Keywords: diabetic retinopathy, knowledge, diabetes, Maiduguri, ocular examination