Diabetic retinopathy, if left unaddressed, may become the leading cause of preventable blindness and visual impairment in India. This pressing challenge has to be addressed by all stakeholders in a concerted and consistent manner. Strategies must aim at building service-delivery capacity and generating awareness, experts say. An estimated 11.9 million people globally may have a preventable moderate or severe vision impairment or blindness due to diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and trachoma.
As we mark ‘Diabetic Eye Disease Month’ this November, participants at an India Vision Institute (IVI)-VisionPlus Magazine hosted ‘Addressing Diabetic Retinopathy’ webinar, November 25, engaged in an illuminating exchange of ideas and experiences on this emerging challenge. Moderated by IVI’s CEO, Vinod Daniel, the panel at the discussion comprised Prof GVS Murthy, Director, Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad & Professor, Public Health Eye Care and Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Dr Padmaja Kumari Rani, Network Head, Tele-Ophthalmology & Consultant, Smt. Kanuri Santamma Retina Vitreous Service, LV Prasad Eye Institute, and Md Alamgir, Optometrist and Founder, Khushi Eye Care.
