Diabetic Retinopathy Work Group

Facilitating shared learning of development, testing and models for the management of diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetes mellitus is becoming a global epidemic and is now one of the top causes of vision loss globally. In 2014, there were approximately 422 million people (8.5% of the world’s adult population) living with diabetes; compared to 108 million in 1980 (2016 WHO Global Report on Diabetes). Increased urbanisation, consumption of less – nutritious food, more sedentary lifestyles and resulting obesity have all contributed to the dramatic rise in the global prevalence of diabetes, particularly in resource – poor countries.

Purpose

Low- and middle-income countries account for approximately 75% of the global diabetes burden yet many are ill equipped to properly identify, treat and manage the complex and varied consequences of this disease.

Diabetes increases the risk of a range of eye diseases, but the main cause of blindness associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Activities / priorities

The Work Group will:

Form and foster greater partnership and collaboration between NGOs who are active on DR;
Act as a forum for information exchange, learning and debate on DR;
Collate and disseminate evidence, knowledge and information and support new research and tools relating to the development, testing and scale up of innovative models for the prevention, treatment and management of DR;
As appropriate, support advocacy efforts to influence policy makers, practitioners and other key stakeholders on DR;
Monitor key events and policy processes relevant to DR and share relevant information, analysis and opportunities for engagement with the wider IAPB membership, other IAPB work groups, and the IAPB Board;
As appropriate, prepare policy papers, position statements and other external communications on DR for consideration by the IAPB Board.

Access the fundus camera equipment specifications for diabetic retinopathy screening, produced in collaboration between the IAPB Diabetic Retinopathy Working Group, the IAPB Valued Supplier Scheme, and international diabetic retinopathy experts.

Meetings

The Work Group will meet by teleconference at least twice a year, or face to face where possible. Opportunities for face-to-face meetings, where possible, will be sought around other events that may already see the attendance of the Work Group members.

Membership of the DR Work Group is open to all IAPB members engaged in DR.

All Work Group members are expected to actively contribute their expertise and knowledge to ensure the group meets its stated objectives.

Get involved with the Diabetic Retinopathy Work Group

For more information on the DR Work Group and how to get involved, get in touch!

Projects

Diabetic Eye Disease Priority Setting Partnership (PSP)

A priority setting initiative by IAPB Diabetic Retinopathy Working Group to find out which top ten questions about diabetic eye disease in low- and middle-income countries we currently don’t have answers for.