New Delhi: The Right to Sight – India on Friday unveiled updated national guidelines for the prevention and management of diabetic retinopathy (DR) at a National Summit held on World Diabetes Day, aiming to strengthen India’s response to diabetes-related vision loss. The initiative is supported by Roche Products (India) Pvt. Ltd.
India is home to more than 101 million people living with diabetes, with another 21.5 million in the pre-diabetic stage. The number is expected to reach 109 million by 2035. Diabetic retinopathy remains one of the most common and serious complications, affecting nearly 18 per cent of urban and 10.4 per cent of rural diabetics, making it a major cause of vision impairment among working-age adults.
Experts at the summit said that while early detection and timely intervention could prevent blindness in most cases, awareness continues to be low among patients and even some healthcare practitioners. The updated guidelines aim to improve early screening, standardize diagnosis and treatment protocols, and integrate DR care more effectively into the national health system.
Senior officials and medical leaders present included Dr. Rajendra P. Joshi, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog; Prof. Praveen Vashist from Dr. R.P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences; AIOS President-Elect Dr. J.S. Titiyal; and leading ophthalmologists Dr. Manisha Agarwal and Dr. Ranjana Mittal.
Speaking at the event, VISION 2020 India President Dr. Rajesh Saini said the updated guidelines represent a significant step toward eliminating avoidable blindness. “Diabetic retinopathy is silently threatening the vision of millions. These new guidelines—rooted in expert consensus and aligned with current best practices—will enable earlier detection and intervention, particularly in underserved communities,” he said.
Prof. Praveen Vashist, Secretary of VISION 2020 India, said the collaboration between public health institutions, government and industry partners reflects a shared mission to reduce preventable vision loss. “These guidelines are catalysts for systemic change. Our aim is to ensure that every individual at risk receives timely screening, diagnosis and care, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status,” he stated.
Dr. Monika Puri, Chief Commercial Officer, Roche Products (India) Pvt. Ltd., urged people living with diabetes to undergo annual retina screenings. “Many individuals are unaware that simple, timely eye check-ups can prevent vision loss. Early detection and treatment can protect sight and improve quality of life,” she said.
The summit underscored the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, incorporation of global best practices, and adoption of new technologies to strengthen India’s response to diabetic retinopathy. Experts reiterated that with timely action, most diabetes-related vision loss remains preventable.
