Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The ORNATE INDIA project has been awarded £6 million from RCUK's Global Challenges Research Fund, and includes researchers from Oxford University, Moorfields Eye Hospital and Imperial College London.

© Shutterstock
Diabetes can result in the deterioration of blood vessels at the back of the eye which, if left untreated, can cause blindness.

Researchers in the Centre for Health Service Economics and Organisation are collaborating on a project to trial new cost-effective tests that could help prevent blindness in India. 

The ORNATE INDIA project has been awarded £6 million from RCUK's Global Challenges Research Fund, and includes researchers from Oxford University, Moorfields Eye Hospital and Imperial College London. 

The team, which is led by Moorfields Eye Hospital's Professor Sobha Sivaprasad, will examine the costs and cost-effectiveness of introducing a new diabetic retinopathy screening programme using smartphone technology. They will also explore the potential impact on the Indian economy of a reduction in the prevalence of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.

It is estimated that 69 million people in India suffer from diabetes and the most common complication is a deterioration of the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. Millions of people across the region go untested and do not receive treatment in time to save their sight.

The researchers hope the roll out of a new handheld camera could massively reduce the costs of eye screening.

Starting this October, the four-year study involves CHESO Director Barry McCormick with Robert Anderson, Catia Nicodemo, Stuart Redding and Raphael Wittenberg.

 

Contact our communications team

Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not of Oxford University. Readers' comments will be moderated - see our guidelines for further information.

Find out more about: