Diabetes eye care

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 major complications of diabetes is blindness (diabetic retinopathy). It is one the most common causes of blindness in the world. 20 years ago it was number 17 in the list of causes of blindness in India, today it is number 6.   Early detection and timely treatment significantly reduces the risk of vision loss, however access to specialist help is very limited, especially in more remote areas.   Objective 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 as well as at Aravind's routine cataract screening camps.      Awareness will be raised via the media; through the distribution of relevant educational materials to medical professionals; and through seminars, workshops and community health education programmes.   The Aravind Eye hospitals provide free eye care to those patients who cannot afford treatment from revenue generated by its paying patients.   Expected Impact The project is expected to have the following impact: Approximately 2750 patients will receive laser photocoagulation treatment More patients in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu will be diagnosed and referred for treatment by the mobile screening units 200 doctors and medical specialists will receive training on the detection and diagnosis of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy The skills of clinical and paramedical staff will be improved A model for helping diabetic retinopathy patients in remote areas will be developed for use around the world Results at completion 75 “Diabetic screening and Diabetic retinopathy screening” camps have been held. 1 year before project completion, the end target of 36 camps over a 3 year period has thus been accomplished and exceeded In addition diabetes screening has been included in Aravind's regular camps. 228 such camps have been held, bringing the total population screened for diabetes to 63,837 of which 14,428 have been identified as diabetic. 1,598 cases of diabetic retinopathy have been found 1,018 people have undergone laser photocoagulation treatment at the tertiary centre of the Aravind Eye Hospital A mobile unit is now operational bringing care to remote areas of Tamil Nadu. Professional advice is provided via satellite connectivity to the reading and grading centre in Madurai. To date the unit has conducted 20 outreach camps As part of the awareness activities, 111,573 pamphlets and 1,878 posters have been distributed, 16 exhibitions have been done and 28 training seminars for doctors and paramedicals have been conducted.

Project data

Area Partner Project responsible Duration Project budget WDF contribution Project number

Tamil Nadu, India Aravind Eye Hospitals Dr. Namperumalsamy April 2003 - March 2006 USD 714,628 USD 450,000 WDF02-039