Bhutan generated baseline data on DR

The Regional Action Plan for Integrated People-centred Eye Care in South-East Asia 2022–2030 mandates member countries to ensure that at least 80% of people with diabetes are screened regularly for retinopathy, and 80% of those identified with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy are treated by 2030. This is in addition to the global targets to improve effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSR) by 30 point per cent and effective Refractive Error Coverage by 40% by 2030.

Bhutan conducted the 5th National Health Survey (NHS) in 2023 and this comprehensive survey established the national baseline data on retina screening coverage for people with diabetes. NHS showed that the prevalence of diabetes has increased to 5.8 per cent in the country and only half of the diabetic patients received eye examinations. The report stated that 51.4% of the individuals (aged 18-69 years) received an eye examination after being diagnosed with raised blood sugar. More retired and non-working population and those residing in major towns underwent eye examination as compared to the working population and those outside the major towns.

Bhutan’s eye health is well integrated into the public health system and interdepartmental referrals are well established. However, the lack of diabetic retinopathy screening services in rural communities and poor awareness amongst the public about diabetic retinopathy are the major challenges. Despite challenges, Bhutan is optimistic about achieving the regional targets.