Zhang G, et al. – A multi–hospital–based cross–sectional study was carried out to ascertain the prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and sight–threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) in a multi–hospital–based DR screening programme among patients with diabetes in China, the Lifeline Express Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program. According to the outcome obtained, the prevalence of DR and STDR in diabetes was 27.9% and 12.6%, respectively in this multi–hospital–based population across China. Compared with the Western population with diabetes, similar risk factors for DR and STDR were observed in Chinese patients with diabetes.