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Introduction – Diabetes mellitus (DM), with macro and microvascular complications, has direct and indirect consequences in the population’s life but also on the health system in Cape Verde. This study intends to characterize for the first time the ocular complications of DM in diabetic patients monitored in the Ophthalmology Service of Hospital Dr. Batista de Sousa during the last five years. Methods – This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed the clinical records of diabetic patients monitored in the ophthalmology service in São Vicente from 2015 to 2020. From the initial 57 clinical records consulted, and in accordance with the inclusion criteria and exclusion, 22 clinical files were included (44 eyes). Results – Diabetic retinopathy (100%) and diabetic macular edema (45.45%) were the most frequent alterations in the studied sample. Additionally, different ocular alterations were described, such as cataracts (72.27%), ptosis (4.54%), pterygium (13.63%), pinguecula (2.27%), conjunctival hyperemia (6.81%), neovascularization of iris (4.54%) and glaucoma (4.54%). Discussion/Conclusion – These findings are important to develop a first local impact assessment of DM on eye health and simultaneously provide tools to improve local health policies. This characterization has been useful to document not only the different DM ocular consequences but allow to clarify potential priority actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]