The objective of the project is to prevent and treat diabetic retinopathy in the rural Alwar district of Rajasthan.
Expected impact
270,000 people reached with information on diabetes
100,000 people screened for diabetes through 288 screening camps
55,000 people with diabetes counselled on diabetes management
1,000 patients with diabetic retinopathy will receive free laser treatment
90 patients with diabetic retinopathy will receive free surgical treatment
200 doctors and 200 paramedical staff trained
50 NGO staff/workers trained
Results to date
A mobile van has been procured and is functional to screen people for diabetes and diabetic retinopathy at camps in rural Rajasthan.
24 camps have been conducted with an average of 100 people screened per camp.
68,182 people have been screened for diabetes, 5,739 of which were diagnosed with diabetes and 78 with diabetic retinopathy.
A new laser clinic has been established at Dr Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital for performing laser photocoagulation in patients with diabetic retinopathy referred through the camps or otherwise.
150 local doctors, 346 paramedics and 60 chemists have been trained in diabetic retinopathy.
Information material has been developed and made available during screening camps. Two posters in A3-format have been produced, addressing diabetes symptoms and diabetic retinopathy, and a small folder on diabetic retinopathy has been developed.
Project details
After 15 to 20 years with diabetes, more than 75% of patients will have developed diabetic retinopathy, which is the leading cause of blindness in the developing world.
With more than 31.7 million people in India suffering from diabetes and the number constantly increasing, there is a significant risk that it may translate into a heavy economic burden and decreased quality of life when millions start experiencing visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy.
Many of those suffering from diabetes live in rural areas like the Alwar district of Rajasthan where access to health facilities is limited especially among the poor. Without access to care, many will inevitably become blind as a consequence of untreated diabetic retinopathy.
Therefore, the need for proper care for diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in rural areas is substantial.
Approach
The project partner, Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, is a longstanding non-commercial and non-profit institution in New Delhi. Its purpose is to provide quality eye care to those who otherwise cannot afford it.
Several approaches are applied in the project, including training, awareness raising, screening and treatment.
Initially, 200 doctors will be trained on issues regarding diabetic retinopathy (DR) - how to diagnose DR, the management of DR and the importance of regular follow-up.
Similarly, 200 paramedical staff will be trained in complications of diabetes, motivating people with diabetes to attend regular diabetes follow-up and prevention of blindness due to DR.
In order to identify people with DR in the rural areas 288 screening camps will be conducted screening a total of 100,000 people. Those in need of treatment for DR will be referred to either laser or surgical treatment at Dr. Shroff's hospital in New Delhi free of charge.
In addition, training of 50 NGO workers will be carried out in order to enable them to conduct door to door surveys to identify those who have diabetes and educate families on diabetes and DR through health talks and printed materials.
During these door to door visits, it is estimated that 55,000 people with diabetes will be counselled about diabetes management including diet control and foot care.
Apart from the door to door community outreach, awareness raising will also be conducted through mass media such as the radio and through community meetings.
