Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye disease caused by high or fluctuating blood sugar levels and is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among people aged 20 to 74. However, most vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented with early detection and treatment. Recently, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) decided to set a national payment amount for AI-based detection of diabetic retinopathy, which could make screenings more accessible. According to the CDC, about 93 million adults in the U.S. are at high risk for vision loss, but only half have seen an eye doctor in the past year. People with diabetes are advised to get an eye exam annually, but many do not. New AI technology could make initial screenings more convenient and accessible, helping to catch more cases early. This technology will not replace doctors but will increase efficiency. AI can assist in detecting diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, helping to identify patients who need further examination. Dr. Mark Fromer, an ophthalmologist, supports this decision, believing it will improve access, quality, and reduce costs for diabetic patients. AI screenings can be done by technicians, and the results can be sent to specialists for further evaluation. The national payment for this AI-based retinal imaging will be about $45.69.