Diabetes eye care, Phase II

One of the major complications of diabetes is blindness. Diabetes 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 and raise public awareness of diabetes and its complications. Approach The project builds on the experience gained during implementation of the on-going first phase of WDF02-039 "Diabetes eye care project" with Aravind Eye Hospitals.  The first phase of the project focuses on Madurai, Theni, Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli districts.   This present project seeks to expand the services and activities to Pondicherry union state and Cuddalore and Villupuram districts in Tamil Nadu covering a population of just over 6 million people.   The project takes a 4 pronged approach, focusing on awareness creation, community outreach, screening and tertiary care.   Awareness will be raised via the media, through distribution of relevant educational materials to medical professionals and general public; and through seminars, workshops and community health education programmes.   As part of the community outreach, a total of 36 camps focusing on diabetes detection and screening for retinopathy 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.   The camps are held in close collaboration with voluntary and community organisations.   Patients will be referred for tertiary care such as laser photocoagulation, surgery and follow-up as required, regardless of ability to pay. The Aravind Eye Hospitals provide free eye care to those patients who cannot afford treatment from revenue generated by its paying patients. At least 30% of its patients are treated free of charge.   As no epidemiological study on diabetic retinopathy has yet been done in India, the project also includes a study to determine the present magnitude and risk factors for this complication in Theni district.   A mobile unit stationed at Madurai, which was developed during phase I of the project will be used for this study.   This is expected to result in a framework for a national plan addressing diabetic retinopathy.   Expected Impact The project is expected to have the following impact: 100,000 people in Pondicherry and nearby districts will be screened for diabetes About 10% of the diabetic retinopathy patients in Pondicherry and nearby districts will receive laser treatment 200 general practitioners and medical specialists will be trained on detection and diagnosis of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy The first epidemiological study on diabetic retinopathy in semi-urban and rural India will be conducted Results so far Project inaugurated and first diabetic retinopathy screening camp held 23 January 2005   To date 8 diabetes screening and diabetic retinopathy camps have been held. A total of 4,114 people have been screened for diabetes of which 1,097 people were identified with diabetes   142 people were found to have diabetic retinopathy of which 103 have undergone laser treatment at Aravind Eye Hospital

Project data

Area Partner Project responsible Duration Project budget WDF contribution Project number

Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu, India Aravind Eye Hospitals Dr. Namperumalsamy November 2004 - November 2007 USD 537,250 USD 200,000 WDF04-079