The International Diabetes Federation estimates that over 13 million people in Bangladesh suffer from diabetes. These people are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (DR) at some point in their lives. Being the most common eye disease related to diabetes, it can lead to blindness if untreated. Since DR slowly develops changes in the retina, people can be asymptomatic at first. Because of that, regular eye screenings are needed to detect retinal changes early on and enable timely treatment.
The National Institute of Ophthalmology in Bangladesh is organizing diabetic eye screenings in a National Eye Care (NEC) project. Optomed, a Finnish medical technology company, has participated in the project. Optomed combines handheld fundus cameras with software and artificial intelligence with the aim of transforming the diagnostic process of various diseases, including diabetic retinopathy.
Through a local partner, Fashion Optic Ltd., Optomed has delivered over 130 handheld fundus cameras to NEC since the beginning of the project. The latest camera delivery of 70 cameras marked a significant expansion of Optomed’s contribution to NEC, benefiting clinics, hospitals, and healthcare centres around Bangladesh in order to quickly and accurately screen patients for the early detection of diabetic retinopathy. This marks an important step toward the fight against diabetes-related blindness and in improving the lives of people across the country.
Source: Valid Supplier Scheme