Dr Vishali Gupta, President at Vitreo Retinal Society India, PGI, Chandigarh, said, “DR should be included in the National Diabetes Program. It affects the economically productive age group, those in their forties and younger. By prioritising timely and systematic screening, we can identify the disease much earlier, significantly improving outcomes.”

According to Dr R Kim, CMO at Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, “We insist that they should get their eyes screened at least once a year.”

Data show that there are an estimated 101 million diabetics in India, 136 million pre-diabetics in 2021. Approximately four to six million individuals are already at risk of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.

The new guideline lists financial coverage for essential DR treatments under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to reduce out-of-pocket costs. It also highlights integration through ABHA IDs, strengthening referral chains, and leveraging tele-ophthalmology hubs for continuity of care.

New norms to reduce out-of-pocket costs

The new guideline lists financial coverage for essential diabetic retinopathy (DR) treatments under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to reduce out-of-pocket costs. It also highlights integration through ABHA IDs, strengthening referral chains, and leveraging tele-ophthalmology hubs for continuity of care.