Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. It may be due to impaired insulin secretion, resistance to peripheral actions of insulin, or both. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 415 million adults between the ages of 20 to 79 years had diabetes mellitus in 2015. DM is proving to be a global public health burden as this number is expected to rise to another 200 million by 2040. Aims & objectives: The present study was conducted for evaluating the role of early screening for diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus. Materials & methods: A total of 200 patients were enrolled. Among them, 100 patients were of periodic screening while 100 patients were of non-periodic screening. Only diabetic patients were included. Many different modalities of screening were depending on the availability of local facilities. Scanning and ophthalmic examination of all the patients was done. Comparison was done. Statistical analysis was done. Results: Diabetic retinopathy on examination was seen in 10 percent of the patients of the periodic screening group and 23 percent of the patients of the non-periodic screening group. Diabetic retinopathy treatment was seen in 9 percent of the patients of the periodic screening group and 3 percent of the patients of the non-periodic screening group. Conclusion: India needs DR screening programs for early identification of the condition, supported by hierarchical referral structure to provide appropriate timely treatment to reduce the burden of blindness due to diabetes.