What Does DR Mean in Medical Terms?

DR stands for diabetic retinopathy. Eye damage from diabetes affecting the retina.

diabetic retinopathy

Eye damage from diabetes affecting the retina.

Where you will see DR

You will most often see DR in medical charts and clinical notes, diabetes and hormone clinic notes.

Example

A chart note might use “DR” as shorthand for diabetic retinopathy when documenting a patient's care.

Related abbreviations

Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.

Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.