Prevalence of diabetes is increasing in the United States as well as in North Dakota. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, is seen in 40-45% of Americans diagnosed with diabetes. It is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. Complications of diabetes can be decreased by controlling blood glucose levels. Blood pressure. and blood lipids as well as receiving preventive care in a timely manner. Since diabetic retinopathy may have no symptoms. it is important for healthcare providers as well as those with diabetes to be aware of the disease and how to prevent and treat it. Currently a diet for diabetic retinopathy does not exist. Although there are diet recommendations for controlling blood glucose. blood pressure. and blood lipids. In this study. an educational program about diabetic retinopathy and diet was developed based on current research. The educational program was provided to two groups of participants. Group I (n=20) and Group 2 (n=40). Group I participants were divided into experimental and control (n=7) subgroups. Participants in the experimental group completed a survey prior to and after an educational program. Participants in the control group completed a survey prior to and after reading a brochure on diabetic retinopathy and diet. Group 2 participants were recruited from a required \\ellness class at North Dakota State University and completed a survey prior to and after an educational program. Mean scores on the pre-and post-surveys were compared to evaluate effectiveness of the educational program. Mean pre- and post- survey scores for Group I experimental and control combined were 12.55 and 14.00 and for Group 2. 11.58 and 12. 78. A significant change in scores was seen in both Ciro up I (p 0 .016) and Group 2 (Sig=.000. df 39. t=4.183). No significant difference in mean pre- (p=.978) and post-survey (p=.381) scores was seen between Group 1 experimental and control group. In Group 1 both the educational program and the brochure were effective. and no significant interaction between and within subjects (p=.486) was seen. Participants did not change their stage of change as a result of participating in the diabetic retinopathy program. although all of the participants indicated an intention to make at least one behavioral change. The program including interactive activities. PowerPoint slides. and questionnaires will be used as part of a state-wide educational curriculum targeted towards older adults.