With the number of people having diabetes set to increase significantly, the burden of treating the complications of diabetic retinopathy is a major concern for the future. Retinal vein occlusion is an important cause of visual loss, particularly in elderly patients. With an ageing population, retinal vein occlusion is likely to become more common. This review discusses current treatments and emerging treatments for diabetic retinopathy, diabetic maculopathy, central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal vein occlusion. It is essential that community optometrists keep up to date with new treatments and be aware of when patients should be optimally referred.