Diabetic retinopathy (DR)—a serious complication of diabetes—is the leading cause of preventable blindness among working-age individuals. While early detection and timely treatment can prevent vision loss, many people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not receive the regular fundus examinations required for screening. The DIAGNOSE-Diabetic Retinopathy (DIAGNOSE-DR) study explores the feasibility of using digital retinal imaging devices for DR screening in primary and secondary care settings, where non-specialist healthcare workers can operate the technology.
Article by Nilmini Wijemunige
Bridging Gaps in Traditional Screening
Current DR screening methods include ophthalmoscopy and slit-lamp examinations, but both have limitations. Ophthalmoscopy, while cost-effective, requires specialized training that many primary care physicians lack, while slit-lamp examinations are performed by overburdened ophthalmologists, making regular screenings difficult to sustain. Advancements in technology have led to the development of portable, hand-held digital retinal devices that allow minimally trained users to capture high-quality retinal images. Some of these devices also integrate artificial intelligence (AI) to generate automated interpretation reports, identifying signs of referable DR and prompting timely referrals for specialist evaluation. These innovations have the potential to transform DR screening in resource-limited healthcare settings.
The DIAGNOSE-DR Study in Sri Lanka
The DIAGNOSE-DR study assesses the feasibility of using these AI-assisted digital retinal cameras within the Sri Lankan population, focusing on:
- Ease of use by non-specialists
- Image quality and diagnostic accuracy
- Automated interpretation reliability
Additionally, the study will provide preliminary estimates of DR prevalence and examine how visual impairment impacts quality of life. A pilot study conducted before the main trial has already shown promising results.
A Collaborative Effort
The DIAGNOSE-DR project is a partnership between University College London and the Sri Lanka Health and Ageing Study consortium, led by the Institute for Health Policy, with funding from Velux Stiftung.
- PhD student
- More information
For more information, visit the website of the Institute for Health Policy.
The Rotterdam Global Health Initiative (RGHI) is the academic network of global health research and education at Erasmus University Rotterdam nd Erasmus MC. Their mission is to address and alleviate health inequalities worldwide, contributing to improved living conditions and advancing high-quality, equitable healthcare globally.- Related content
