Summary

This publication aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of response to diabetic retinopathy through screening versus standard of care which does not include screening at primary healthcare centres in India. The study also investigates cost-effective approaches for doing annual population-based screening.

Using mathematical modelling, the study compares alternative screening strategies. The study findings show that all the annual screening strategies were found to have lower costs compared to the standard of care. Among the screening strategies, tele-supported screening on an annual basis among people with diabetes for five years or longer is most cost-effective and can reduce annual incidence of diabetic retinopathy by 17.3% and blindness by 38.5% at national level.

The study proposes prioritising an annual tele-supported diabetic retinopathy screening programme in India and the adoption of integrated approaches to eye care and diabetes care.

The study is part of a series of two publications looking into the cost-utility analysis of screening interventions for eye health in India. Read our publication on cost utility of population-based glaucoma screening.