Dr. Mohita Sharma Chief Ophthalmologist Tirupati Eye Centre Noida, India

1. “Nayantara : An integrated mobile service for treatment of diabetic retinopathy in semi urban and rural India Dr. Mohita Sharma Chief Ophthalmologist Tirupati Eye Centre Noida, India

2. India : home of largest number of diabetics in the world • WHO estimation of diabetes 135 million in 1995 to 300 million in 2025 • Indian estimation 18 million in 1995 to 54 million in 2025 (195 %) • INDIA- largest diabetic population- 50.8 million(followed by China 43.2 million)

3. Indian Challenge • 70% people live in rural areas • 70 % ophthalmologists live in urban areas • Majority of diabetics are undiagnosed • UNDIAGNOSED CASES 2/3 in urban ¾ in rural areas

4. Uttar PradeshNo population based surveys on diabetic retinopathy • Most populous state • 190 million population • 16.4 % of whole population

5. Barriers for treatment of DR

6. Solutions • Share equipment • A mobile van • Sound economic model aimed at Sustainable Charity • Economic incentive for local doctor • Offer free service for the poor

7. Project: Tirupati Eye Centre DR Mobile Unit • Diagnosis and treatment of DR and complications • 5 districts of Western UP • Mobile unit • Pre decided route map • Local ophthal, GPs access to equipments

9. Mobile unit details • Heat- AC- temp regulation • Dust- air ionizer- dust free • Electric power supply- generator, UPS • Voltage fluctuation- stabilizers

10. Team in the mobile unit • Trained retina consultant • Optometrist • Paramedical worker • Driver

11. Work at mobile unit

12. Free of cost treatment to poor patients and minimal charges to those who can pay Refuse treatment to none for want of money

13. Sound economic model • Minimal charges for those who can pay • Earnings are shared between the local Doctor (ophthalmologist/ physician) and the Project • Physician/Ophthalmologist – Timely eye treatment EARN WHILE THEY LEARN/TREAT • Project income– SELF SUSTAINABLE

14. Target population • 231,402 diabetics • Diabetic retinopathy 67,106 in this population • Treatment would prevent 1735 people from becoming blind .

15. Training • Ophthalmologist trained in retina on board • Each participating ophthalmologist individually trained on the stopovers • Lot of enthusiasm to learn

16. CMEs/ training sessions with lectures

18. Model eye laser session • Doctors use the laser machine to obtain burns in the model eye • Concept of spot size, power, duration, interval and its effect in model eye are understood

19. Doctors Training

20. AMC CME Date: 09th Oct 2010- Physicians

21. Training session : Local health workers

22. Training sessions- Booklets • Hindi and English • For Doctors as well as lay public

23. Community participation- religious organizations and clubs Noida Diabetes Forum Lions Club Sai Temple

24. Diabetes Camp at Haldwani

25. What we have achieved

26. Lessons learnt • Training most important aspect- retained interest of ophthalmologists, GPs also need a continuous reinforcement by training in steps: • CMEs • Practical training- screening for DR changes on retina • Regular training sessions-1 time training not sufficient, assessment of the adequacy of training and capacity building

27. Training of “already trained” ophthalmologists

28. Lessons learnt • Semi urban areas- patients- paying capacity not very low. Project has reached self sustainability in 50% of its expenses • Semi urban areas- ophthalmologists- low cost lasers and FFAs

29. Challenges ahead • Manage the running costs by income generated on the van • Replace van and equipment periodically • Add on new districts to the area of coverage • Replicate the design in other parts of India and the world

30. Conclusion • Empowering local community/professionals to access quality care, skills and knowledge • Taking superspeciality care for treatment of diabetic retinopathy to the unreached

31. “ If you want to feed a man for one day, serve him fish. If you want to feed him for life, teach him fishing”

32. Thank You For Watching This Presentation