Topcon and Orbis Partner to Expand DR Screening in Rwanda

Topcon Healthcare, in collaboration with Orbis International and the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO), has embarked on an initiative to enhance diabetic retinopathy screening in Rwanda.

Donation of Robotic Retinal Cameras

To facilitate this effort, Topcon has generously donated NW400 and NW500 robotic retinal cameras. These state-of-the-art devices will be utilized primarily in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, to conduct crucial screenings for diabetic patients.

"Access to regular diabetic retinopathy screenings is crucial to identifying the disease early, before irreversible vision loss or blindness occurs," emphasized Prof. Ciku Mathenge, Medical Advisor at Orbis International and Founding Director of RIIO, in a recent press release. "We are proud to collaborate with Topcon, whose donation will significantly improve accessibility to diabetic retinopathy screening in Kigali, Rwanda. This initiative aims to prevent future vision loss, underscoring our commitment to enhancing eye care globally."

Challenges and Prevalence

According to projections, sub-Saharan Africa is expected to witness a substantial increase in diabetic retinopathy prevalence. In Rwanda alone, there are currently 300,000 individuals living with diabetes, with approximately one in three expected to develop diabetic retinopathy. The region faces significant challenges, including a severe shortage of medical personnel—only 2.7 ophthalmologists per million people in sub-Saharan Africa—highlighting the critical need for effective screening initiatives.

Screening Process and Technology

The collaboration between Topcon, Orbis, and RIIO involves conducting screenings at high-volume health clinics using Topcon's robotic cameras. Images captured during these screenings are promptly uploaded to Cybersight AI, Orbis's AI-powered platform capable of swiftly detecting signs of diabetic retinopathy and other common eye diseases. This rapid feedback is pivotal as it allows patients to receive immediate health assessments and referrals for further evaluation and treatment.

Impact and Results

"Early diagnosis through annual screening programs is essential in managing diabetic retinopathy," noted officials from the partnering organizations. "Despite infrastructure and resource challenges, these initiatives have proven effective in reducing the incidence and progression of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy."

The partnership builds upon Orbis's recent research in Rwanda, which demonstrated heightened patient compliance with referrals and satisfaction levels when utilizing Cybersight AI for diabetic retinopathy screenings. Immediate results provided by the AI tool significantly reduce wait times, ensuring patients receive timely care and potentially averting permanent vision impairment.

The collaboration between Topcon, Orbis International, and RIIO represents a significant stride towards improving eye health in Rwanda and sets a precedent for leveraging technology to overcome healthcare access barriers in underserved regions.