Addressing the daunting challenge of visual impairment in India requires more than traditional hospital-based care; it demands a strategic blend of technology and specialized outreach. While conditions like cataracts have well-established, one-time surgical interventions, emerging threats such as diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) present far more complex hurdles for the public health system. These conditions often lack early symptoms, making proactive screening the bedrock of effective prevention.
The “Nayana” program — launched by Vittala International Institute of Ophthalmology — in 2005 exemplifies a unique solution for diabetic retinopathy. Recognizing that high capital costs and a lack of rural specialists prevent many from seeking help, the program utilizes a mobile platform. A fully self-sufficient van—equipped with approximately 1.5 crore worth of specialized lasers and diagnostic tools—travels to multiple rural locations on a scheduled monthly calendar. Local ophthalmologists are trained to deliver this specialty care, ensuring that treatment is accessible and affordable within the community.
Similarly, the Vittala ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) program addresses the urgent needs of premature infants at risk of blindness. Because ROP can lead to irreversible blindness within weeks, a technician-led model uses portable cameras to screen babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) across 14 districts in Karnataka. Images are uploaded to a cloud-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, allowing specialists to remotely identify babies needing immediate laser treatment.
By leveraging technology and opportunistic screening at existing government health centres, these initiatives have successfully screened over 78,000 individuals and saved thousands from lifelong blindness. This innovative approach provides a scalable roadmap for managing the rising tide of non-communicable eye diseases globally.
We are happy to share the interview with Dr. Krishna R. Murthy, Director of Vittala Internation Institute of Ophthalmology.