Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major causes of preventable blindness in developing countries. However, due to a lack of equipment and appropriate training, treatment for retinopathy is not available in all districts in Karnataka. With more than 32 million people affected by diabetes, India has the world's largest diabetic population and, with this, also a significant burden of diabetes-related complications such as diabetic retinopathy.In Karnataka, long travel distances reduce the use of retinopathy detection and treatment facilities. Without appropriate screening, treatment and care, the consequences of diabetic retinopathy are likely to be severe. One target for the project is to reduce the travel distance from an average of 200 km to an average of 50 km.The project aims to create a programme to improve treatment for diabetic retinopathy in remote areas.
Vittala International Institute of Ophthalmology, Sri Keshava Trust (a vision health-centred NGO) and Prabha Eye Clinic and Research Center have joined forces to improve treatment and care for diabetic retinopathy in remote areas in Karnataka.The project is targetted at two groups:• Local ophthalmologists in 8 Karnataka districts are currently not delivering retinopathy treatment.• Local health providers in the target districts.The ophthalmologists will receive the necessary training and equipment to diagnose and treat people locally. Furthermore, six ophthalmologists will receive advanced training - enabling them to perform surgical management of diabetic retinopathy.The project seeks to improve the rate of early detection and patient referrals to further treatment by conducting training programmes for health providers.To avoid the costs and logistical hurdles of duplicating the sets of equipment required in many remote areas, a mobile van with diagnostic and therapeutic equipment will be created. The mobile unit will allow local ophthalmologists and specialists to get access to diagnostic and therapeutical equipment. In addition, installed video conferencing will allow for consultations with specialists at the Vittala International Institute of Ophthalmology. Treatment will be free to all patients with an income of less than USD 30 per month.
• Over 33,000 patients either screened or treated on the van• 83 ophthalmologists from 54 establishments in private, NGO and government sectors are now part of an eye care society.• 118 GPs and 106 Patient Care workers in various clinics have received refresher training• Over 200 health workers from participating clinics are now actively involved in care for patients coming to the eye clinics.• Increase in number of eye clinics offering diabetes related eye care from 9 to 54