AFMS AI Screening Programme for Diabetic Retinopathy
Why in the news
The Armed Forces Medical Services began a nationwide-first AI-driven community programme to catch diabetes-related eye disease early.
Key facts
- Disease: Diabetic Retinopathy (DR).
- Platform: MadhuNetrAI.
- Partners: AFMS, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences (AIIMS) and the eHealth AI Unit of the Health Ministry.
Aims
- Early, accurate detection and timely referral.
- National health intelligence on disease patterns and geography.
- Fewer cases of preventable diabetic blindness.
How it works
- Handheld fundus cameras capture retinal photos; AI scans and grades them.
- Medical officers, nurses and health assistants run the screening.
- Automatic triage flags vision-threatening cases for digital referral to retina specialists.
- Links with NCD programmes for continued care.
Exam angle
- Name of AI platform: MadhuNetrAI.