Moorfields has joined Indian ministers to launch a project to prevent blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy.
Professor Sobha Sivaprasad, a medical retina consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital was invited by Rajeev Sadanandan, the health secretary and K. K. Shailaja, the health minister for Kerala to the launch of the study, which is part of the Ornate-India project. The aim of the study is to use grant funding of £6.3 million to trial new cost-effective tests that could help prevent blindness in India.
Prof Sivaprasad said: ‘The funding the project received has meant that we’ve already built research capacity and capability, so we can carry out a pilot study. We’ve trained doctors and nurses at regional Family Health Centres to diagnose diabetic retinopathy using smartphone retinal cameras, optometrists to grade retinal images and ophthalmologists at district hospitals to treat the condition.’