Five hundred patients attending a general diabetic clinic were examined ophthalmoscopically both by a non-ophthalmic practitioner (NOP) and by an ophthalmologist. The findings were recorded on separate data sheets and the staging of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and grading of diabetic maculopathy by the NOP is compared with that of the ophthalmologist. Comparisons are made for NOPs collectively and for subgroups of NOPs of different levels of experience in ophthalmoscopic assessment of DR. A profile is presented of DR occurring in this diabetic clinic population. The comparison studies show significant variations in ability of different observer groups and also between observers of the same status. It is concluded that an ophthalmologist is a necessary member of a diabetic care team.