Diabetes eye care I

Objectives

India has the world’s largest diabetic population in terms of numbers, with over 32 million people affected. This is expected to more than double by 2025.

One of the significant complications of diabetes is blindness (diabetic retinopathy). It is one of the most common causes of blindness in the world. Twenty years ago, it was number 17 on the causes of blindness in India. Today it is number 6.

Early detection and timely treatment significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. However, access to specialist help is minimal, especially in more remote areas.

The project aims to reduce blindness resulting from diabetes.

Approach

The World Diabetes Foundation, Aravind Eye Hospitals, Lions Club International and the Government of India have joined forces to combat diabetic retinopathy.

This project will establish remote centres for diabetic retinopathy screening in rural communities around the Madurai, Theni, Kanyakumari, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts.

In addition, a mobile unit stationed at Madurai will be equipped with screening equipment. It will serve more remote areas as well as the established diabetic centres and general hospitals.

A total of 36 camps focusing on diabetic detection and screening for retinopathy and cataracts will be held. Around 100,000 people will be screened for diabetes at these camps and Aravind's routine cataract screening camps.

Awareness will be raised via the media, through distributing relevant educational materials to medical professionals, and through seminars, workshops and community health education programmes.

The Aravind Eye Hospital provides free eye care to those patients who cannot afford treatment from the revenue generated by its paying patients.

Results at completion

• 1,540 diabetes patients have received laser treatment to avoid blindness
• A mobile unit with screening equipment and facilities was established in rural areas. 74 camps was conducted and 2008 diabetic
patients were benefitted through the mobile unit.
• 7,182 doctors and medical specialists have been trained in diabetes and related eye complications.