Diabetic retinopathy screening programme utilising non-mydriatic fundus imaging in slum populations of New Delhi, India.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and implement a community-based programme for screening of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in urban populations of Delhi.

METHODS: Known diabetics (KDs) aged 40 years and older were identified through house-to-house surveys, volunteers and publicity. All KDs were referred to DR screening camps organised locally where procedures included brief medical history, ocular examination and non-mydriatic fundus photography using portable handheld camera. Fundal images were graded on the spot by trained optometrists for DR. Patients with DR were referred to tertiary centre for management.

RESULTS: A total of 11 566 KDs were identified, of whom 9435 (81.6%) visited DR screening camps and 8432 (89.4%) had DR gradable images. DR was identified in 13.5% of subjects; 351 cases were mild NPDR, 567 moderate, 92 severe. Seventy-seven had PDR, and 49 had DME, and 2.7% of participants were blind (presenting visual acuity <3/60 in better eye). Non-use of lifestyle management, presence of systemic complications, BMI <18.5 kg/m2 , disease duration of >5 years and uncontrolled diabetes were associated with increased odds of DR. All cases with DR were referred, and 420 (37%) successful referrals to base hospital were observed.

CONCLUSION: The programme of creating awareness about DR, identifying KDs and optometrist-led DR screening using non-mydriatic fundus camera based in slums was successful.