Full Breakdown
Genentech, Damon Wayans and diaTribe Launch “All Eyes on DME” Campaign to Raise Awareness of Diabetic Vision Loss
4/26/2026, 1:25:30 PM
Campaign Overview
On April 24 2026, Genentech—a Roche Group biotechnology company—unveiled the “All Eyes on DME” multimedia campaign in partnership with comedian and Type 2-diabetes patient Damon Wayans and the diabetes-focused advocacy group diaTribe. The effort uses humor-driven content to educate the public about diabetic macular edema (DME) and to prompt early eye-care conversations.
Background, Context & Statistics
Diabetic macular edema is a swelling of the retina caused by fluid leakage from damaged blood vessels, which can lead to vision loss. Approximately 750,000 U.S. residents currently have DME, and about 60 % of Americans with diabetes skip their recommended annual eye exam. Black and Hispanic individuals are 2-3 times more likely than white individuals to develop sight-threatening diabetic eye disease. Diabetes prevalence is projected to reach 55 million Americans by 2030, expanding the at-risk population.
Why It Matters
Early detection of DME can preserve sight and reduce long-term disability. The campaign targets communities where cultural reluctance and limited access contribute to delayed care, aiming to close health-outcome gaps. By pairing humor with factual resources, the initiative seeks to boost screening rates, improve patient-provider dialogue, and lower the public-health burden of diabetes-related vision loss.
Official Statements & Responses
Genentech officials emphasized that listening to lived experiences is essential for uncovering barriers to eye care and that the campaign will expand knowledge and access to preventive resources. diaTribe leadership highlighted the need to destigmatize diabetes-related eye health, noting many patients lack awareness and tools to prevent complications. Both organizations described the effort as a movement to empower individuals to engage early with their care teams.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Laughter is a powerful medicine. Of course, a few jokes can’t cure DME, but when we find humor in tough situations, it can be easier to engage in important conversations. As a Black man living with diabetes and a family history of related health conditions, I am very familiar with the hesitancy to open up about health. I also didn’t originally understand the risk of vision loss with diabetes, which is why I want to use this opportunity to break down those walls and create space for us to educate and learn from each other. I'm energized to join All Eyes on DME and get our community talking, laughing and learning together.” — Damon Wayans, Type 2 Diabetes Patient and Comedian
- “As a Black man living with diabetes and a family history of related health conditions, I am very familiar with the hesitancy to open up about health.” — Damon Wayans
- “For many living with diabetes, eye health can sometimes take a backseat due to a lack of awareness and lack of access to the tools that prevent and treat diabetes-related eye complications.” — Matthew Garza, Program Director, diaTribe
- “Closing gaps in health outcomes requires listening to the lived experiences of our community to uncover the real barriers to eye care.” — Quita Highsmith, Vice President of Population Health, Genentech
What’s Next
The campaign directs audiences to AllEyesonDME.com, offering symptom checklists, risk-factor information, and conversation guides for clinicians. Genentech plans additional community events and digital outreach, leveraging its FDA-approved DME therapies (Susvimo, Vabysmo) to illustrate treatment options. The effort will continue to expand resources and partnerships to reach at-risk communities.
