DR. PRITHVI CHANDRAKANTH

Dr.Pooja Bhatlavande, Dr. RODNEY JOHN MORRIS, Dr.Narendran V

Abstract

To evaluate Diabetic Retinopathy(DR) screening at the Primary Eye Care Centers in rural and underserved areas in Tamil Nadu. Screening for patients with T1 & T2 diabetes from 11 Primary Eye Care Centers done within 12 months. Diagnosed Diabetic patients underwent preliminary eye examination and retinal examination using non-mydriatic fundus camera to determine the presence, severity and grade of DR interpreted by a remote expert. 84,951 patients registered, 2,537 (2.98%) were screened for DR by trained ophthalmic assistants using fundus camera and tele-ophthalmology supported remote grading of DR. DR was detected in 364 (14.3%) diabetic patients. 264 (72.52%) were refered,165 (62.5%) registered at the base hospital and appropriately treated. Tele-ophthalmology for DR is a reliable, cost‐efficient alternative to traditional clinical examinations which reduces the barriers to access specialized eye care in rural communities especially so during these viral pandemic times.