India is known to have the largest population with diabetes, but studies have shown that one third of people with diabetes are unaware of the disease.Since awareness about diabetes as a multi-system disease and its effect on the eye is essential, the high level of unawareness in India is a significant problem, which potentially can result in complications such as diabetic retinopathy.Diabetic retinopathy is already one of the prime causes of blindness in India, so the need to improve awareness and provide proper care is indeed present.The aim of the project is to reduce blindness due to diabetes.
The partner is a renowned ophthalmic hospital in the area, which is planning to set up a major outreach programme for people with diabetes in 5 districts in Punjab. Collaborators are Lions Club and Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee.The project will cover all strata of society and treatment will be made available to all patients regardless of their social status.The objective of the project - to reduce blindness due to diabetes - will be achieved through screening, treatment and awareness campaigns.At first, fortnightly screening camps are held in each district by rotation resulting in an estimated number of 68 camps. Each camp will screen 400-500 people with or at-risk of diabetes, which adds up to approximately 35,000 people during the 3 year project period. Out of these it is expected that 5,000 people with diabetic retinopathy will be identified and following receive treatment.As part of the screening activities, a mobile unit is utilised for conducting screening in poorly accessible areas.In addition to the screening camps, seminars, workshops and community health education programmes will be conducted. A total of 500 local practitioners will be trained in diabetes and its complications through these activities. Emphasis will be on early detection and timely referral to the hospital or one of the diabetic retinopathy project camps.Furthermore, paramedical staff and nurses will be trained to educate patients on diabetes and social workers will be involved to encourage and motivate the general population to attend the screening camps.The identified people with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy will receive tertiary care free of charge and the hospital will continuously provide follow-up.Finally, involvement of media and distribution of educational material is used to create awareness among the general population.
• An estimated number of 35,000 people screened for diabetes at 68 screening camps • 5,000 people with diabetic retinopathy will benefit • Training of 500 local practitioners on diabetes and its complications