iajabmsIAJABMSIAJABMS2709-329810.47310/iajabms.2025.v06i01.014Clear Vision Ahead: Public Awareness of Diabetic Eye Disease and the Importance of Regular Eye Check-ups in ShimlaBackground: Diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss in India, is a growing concern in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, where limited eye care access and low awareness hinder preventive screening. This study aimed to evaluate public awareness of diabetic eye disease and the necessity of regular eye check-ups, focusing on addressing knowledge gaps and barriers in Shimla’s urban-rural interface. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted from January to February 2025, targeting adults aged 18–60 years in Shimla. A bilingual (Hindi/English) questionnaire, hosted on Google Forms, assessed socio-demographic factors, knowledge of diabetic retinopathy, eye check-up practices, and barriers. Using convenience sampling, 420 participants completed the survey. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics v27.0, with knowledge scores categorized as Very Good (≥80%), Good (60–79%), Fair (40–59%), and Poor (<40%). Results: Participants, primarily aged 18–35 years (72.8%) and female (55.2%), showed moderate awareness: 80.0% recognized early retinopathy detection via screenings, 83.3% identified intervention benefits, and 85.0% noted fear of diagnosis as a barrier. Gaps existed in annual eye exam frequency (60.0%), asymptomatic disease (63.8%), and management prevention (61.7%). Knowledge levels were Very Good (27.6%), Good (46.2%), Fair (20.0%), and Poor (6.2%). Limited eye care access (32.4%) highlighted rural challenges. Conclusion: While awareness of diabetic eye disease is improving, knowledge gaps and access barriers persist in Shimla. Targeted education, integrated screenings, and rural outreach are crucial to preventing vision loss.