In 2010 the National Medical Association (NMA) was named one of the Healthy Vision Community Award recipients. This award is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the National Eye Institute (NEI) and the National Eye Health Education Program. Funds received were used to establish the NMA Vision Focus Initiative in city of Indianapolis, Indiana.

The objectives for the NMA Vision Focus Initiative are:

1. To educate consumers about diabetes management and diabetic retinopathy.
2. To educate diabetes patients on glucose level management as it relates to diabetic retinopathy.
3. To educate diabetics about the importance of teaming up with an eye care professional once a year to have a dilated pupil examination and discuss any and overall vision changes. 

This extension of the NMA Diabetes Education Program will streamline information on the importance of diabetic patients having dilated eye examinations and provide information about diabetic retinopathy. The goals are to accomplish this through patient education classes, a media campaign and community outreach efforts.