Bosch sees that its eye screening and detection system could offset the shortfall of ophthalmologists in India. Currently, global health statistics indicate that one out of every three blind people in the world is an Indian. The situation is further compounded by an acute shortfall of ophthalmologists and doctors.

On the occasion of the World Vision Day, observed annually on the second Thursday in October, India’s availability of ophthalmologists to population ratio is at 1:83,000 and doctor to population ratio is reported to be 1:20,000.

“In the absence of eye care experts, Bosch has put together an end-to-end solution that leverages technology to address the shortage of experts in India. Its Fundus camera and MediBilder software are broad-based solutions which are versatile and designed to be used by even non-experts. With such a solution, even a general physician or a diabetologist will be enabled to look for life style related ailments result in diabetic retinopathy condition,” Harsha Angeri, senior GM & l - strategy and business development, Bosch India told Pharmabiz in an email.

Fundus/retinal imaging is a global standard for eye testing. Seven top global optical chains like Vision Center, US Vision etc who screen patients beyond refractive error tests for conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy use a Fundus or retinal imaging. “This comprehensive eye examination is not provided by any player in India and without this practice, the chance of early detection of avoidable blindness conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma is drastically reduced. This is where inclusion of retinal imaging in eye examination becomes a global standard which is not prevalent in India, said Angeri.

On this World Vision Day, Bosch sees that its Fundus/retinal imaging is a perfect solution for the Indian rural markets and views it as a valuable fit in the non communicable disease (NCD) programmes of the State governments. Bosch is continually engaged with government entities and leading eye care service providers for enabling use of the Fundus camera in rural areas.

“We are constantly looking forward to collaboration opportunities to prevent avoidable blindness across India. In fact, we have already proven the efficacy our eye screening and detection system in the rural population for retina tests through pilot projects run with state government entities and leading eye care service providers across India,” he stated.

While the company recognise that much of the statistics about India are applicable to developing countries and particularly Africa where blindness prevalence is high, its focus right now will be on India.

Bosch is offering the solution comprising of the Fundus camera and MediBilder software along with trial access to the cloud for Rs.2,44,000.