The aim of the project is to prevent and manage diabetes-related eye problems by conducting awareness and screening campaigns and providing laser treatment to people with diabetic retinopathy.
Expected impact
108 awareness and screening camps conducted (three camps every month)
75,000 people with diabetes screened for diabetic retinopathy
2,864 people with diabetic retinopathy treated
278 health staff trained (100 GPs, 33 ophthalmologists, 50 paramedics, 10 dieticians, 25 health educators and 60 counsellors)
Results at project completion
569 diabetes awareness and screening camps have been conducted.
650 general eye screening and diabetic retinopathy camps have been conducted.
Out of 105,167 people screened for diabetes, 40,235 people (38%) have been diagnosed with diabetes.
8,295 persons (21%) have been identified with diabetic retinopathy, and 2,864 patients have been treated for diabetic retinopathy.
178 health staff has been trained (33 ophthalmologists, 50 paramedics, 10 dieticians, 25 health educators and 60 counsellors).
A field study to identify the prevalence of diabetes in the Kanyakumari district, covering a population of 1,676,034 people, was conducted. Among 6,750 people interviewed, the prevalence rate was found to be 9.6%.
The project has launched a mobile retinal unit for screening and treatment of diabetes patients living in remote rural areas.
Project details
The health standard in Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu is in general high. However, changes in lifestyle have entailed an increase in diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, also increasing the incidence of diabetes induced eye problems.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of untreated diabetes. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of diabetes-related eye problems are important means to reduce the incidence of blindness due to diabetes.
Emphasis in the present project is on the poorest part of the population. Hence, special focus is on the poor localities in Kanyakumari District, and people below the poverty line will be identified and offered treatment free of charge.
Approach
The project will be implemented by the J.M. Charitable Trust, Bejan Singh Eye Hospital. Furthermore, a range of other organisations - Diabetes Club of Nagercoil (DIA Club), Lions Club of Nagercoil Town, Lions Club International, Rotary Club, Orbis International as well as Vision 2020 - also support the project.
The project builds on a two-pronged approach to prevention and management of diabetic retinopathy.
At the prevention level, awareness and screening camps will be conducted in order to increase knowledge and awareness of diabetes-related eye problems and identify people with diabetes and with diabetic retinopathy.
At the management level, people identified with diabetic retinopathy will be referred to the hospital for treatment. The stage of retinopathy will be defined, and appropriate treatment including laser therapy will be provided.
As part of the project health staff will be trained, including sensitisation and training of local GPs, ophthalmologists, para-medical staff, dieticians, health-educators and counsellors. Moreover, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) camps will be held targeting the general population.
