Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that has been increasing at an alarming rate and is becoming the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. In India, the incidence of diabetes is increasing rapidly while the disparity in access to health care between urban and rural population creates the potential for disparate outcomes. Currently, few ophthalmologists in India have been trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

A model is herein proposed that utilizes mobile tele-ophthalmology in screening for diabetic retinopathy in rural south India. Mobile tele-screening technology with a satellite connection between the mobile van and the medical center enables, ophthalmologists to screen the rural population. This minimizes the number of unnecessary referrals to the main center for diagnostic investigation and treatment, and also reduce the cost of the screening program. Five districts in Karnataka state in south India are included in the projects with an estimated 12,500 diabetic retinopathy cases to be identified and treated in 5 years. The program also aims to spread the awareness of the condition and the need for early screening and treatment. Initial analysis suggests that the proposed model is cost effective when compared with the existing model for identifying diabetic retinopathy and screening large population in a short time.