Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the awareness of diabetic retinopathy among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Bihar region. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross sectional, non-randomized, questionnaire based study conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India, for 12 months. A knowledge attitude practice questionnaire was prepared and pretested in a sample group of representative population. The response was analyzed as to whether the questions were understood or not. Social workers were trained in administering questionnaire. Diabetic patients were given questionnaires at primary health centre and filled in the presence of social workers. Results: Out of the 100 patients, 59(59%) had no knowledge of diabetic retinopathy compared to 41 (41%) who had knowledge. This was statistically significant with p value <0.001. Patients in the upper socioeconomic group had more knowledge about diabetic retinopathy (62.5%) which was statistically significant with a p value of 0.001.There was no significant association between duration of diabetes and knowledge of diabetic retinopathy. About 82.93 % of individuals in knowledge group had right attitude which was significantly higher than non knowledge group (54.24%) with a p value <0.001. Regarding source of information, 44% of patients in knowledge group got information about diabetic retinopathy from physicians, 13% from eye specialists, 11% from reading books, 8% from various media and 24% from other sources like family and friends. About 38.46% in knowledge group had practice of visiting ophthalmologist for eye check-up which was significantly higher than non knowledge group with a p value <0.001. Conclusion: we concluded that the Increasing knowledge about diabetic retinopathy through awareness campaigns can improve attitude & practice. Early detection & timely intervention can help in preventing sight threatening complications.