In a landmark step toward preventing diabetes-related blindness, VISION 2020: The Right to Sight – India launched a comprehensive, updated set of national guidelines for the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) during the National Summit on Diabetic Retinopathy, held on World Diabetes Day.

The initiative marks the culmination of a two-stage national programme aimed at strengthening awareness, policy integration, and clinical capacity to address one of India’s fastest-growing public health threats.

With over 101 million people currently living with diabetes—and another 21.5 million in the pre-diabetic stage—India faces an alarming rise in Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The numbers are projected to touch 109 million by 2035, escalating concerns about diabetes-related complications such as Diabetic Retinopathy, a microvascular retinal condition and a leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults.

Epidemiological data reveal that DR affects 18% of urban and 10.4% of rural diabetic populations. This means nearly one in five diabetics in cities is at risk of vision impairment.

Despite DR being largely preventable, awareness remains critically low—not just among patients but also among many healthcare providers. Experts warn that without early detection and timely management, the burden of diabetes-induced blindness will continue to rise.

Recognising this urgent need, The Right to Sight – India rolled out a two-part programme leading up to the national summit. The first phase—World Retina Day Consultation—focused on drafting the updated guidelines. The second phase—World Diabetes Day National Summit—centered on policy engagement and public mobilization, including an awareness rally and walkathon to encourage regular diabetic eye screenings.

Held on November 14, 2025, in New Delhi, the high-level summit brought together a distinguished panel of experts, policymakers, clinicians, NGOs, and industry representatives. Key attendees included senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NITI Aayog, and leading ophthalmology institutes.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Rajesh Saini, President, VISION 2020 India, emphasized the urgency of updating the DR guidelines to reflect modern diagnostics and treatment modalities. “Diabetic Retinopathy is a growing public health concern, silently threatening the vision of millions. These new guidelines—rooted in expert consensus and enriched with the latest protocols—will empower healthcare providers to detect and intervene earlier, especially in underserved communities,” he said.

“By updating our 2015 manual and aligning it with current best practices, we aim to drive nationwide awareness and strengthen clinical capacity so that vision loss from diabetes becomes preventable.”

The event’s discussions centered primarily on policy strategies for early screening, stronger referral pathways, and adoption of global best practices—including telemedicine, AI-based retinal imaging, and minimally invasive treatment options.

Stakeholders underlined the need for multi-sector collaboration, calling for the integration of DR protocols into national health programmes, especially those dealing with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Dr. Praveen Vashist, Secretary of VISION 2020 India, underscored the importance of partnerships.

“These guidelines are not just clinical documents—they are catalysts for systemic change,” he noted.

“By aligning with national priorities and integrating into existing care pathways, we aim to ensure that every individual at risk—regardless of geography or socioeconomic status—can access timely screening, diagnosis, and care.”

Industry leaders echoed the need for greater public awareness. Dr. Monika Puri, Chief Commercial Officer, Roche Products (India), urged all individuals living with diabetes to prioritize annual eye screenings.

“Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, yet many people remain unaware that timely eye check-ups can save their vision,” she said.

“On World Diabetes Day, I urge everyone with diabetes to get a simple annual retina screening. Early detection can protect sight and dramatically improve quality of life.”

The National Summit marked a critical moment in India’s fight against diabetes-related vision loss. With updated guidelines, renewed political focus, and broad stakeholder engagement, experts emphasize that the country now has the tools—and the responsibility—to drastically reduce preventable blindness.

As diabetes continues to expand its footprint across India, the message from the summit is clear:

Early screening, timely treatment, and widespread awareness are essential to protecting the vision of millions.