During the past 2 years, 44 patients (71 eyes) had pan-retinal photocoagulation by argon gas laser for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. All except 9 eyes benefitted from the treatment, peripheral and disc vessels showing regression. Many of the patients needed, or will need, further laser treatment. The main complications of treatment were slight or moderate constriction of the visual field, poor night vision and macular oedema.