AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical leader, organized the National Conclave on World Retina Day at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, to raise awareness about Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)—a major cause of vision loss among people with diabetes. According to a 2025 report by the Cleveland Clinic, nearly 1 in 14 individuals with diabetes develop DME. The conclave brought together leading experts to discuss strategies for combating retinal diseases and improving eye health outcomes in India.
Addressing the Burden of DME
The conclave highlighted that while evidence-based treatments have improved patient outcomes, several challenges continue to hinder progress. Limited public awareness, high treatment costs, the burden of frequent injections, and unequal access to specialized retinal care remain major obstacles.
Experts emphasized the need for systemic changes, including:
- Integrating mandatory retinal screening into national diabetes programs
- Strengthening public-private partnerships to expand retinal care services
- Training and deploying more specialists in tier-2 and tier-3 cities
AbbVie’s Commitment to Eye Health
Suresh Pattathil, Managing Director & General Manager, AbbVie India, stated:
“At AbbVie, we leverage over 75 years of global eyecare expertise to make a meaningful difference for the 3 million people living with DME in India. India’s diabetic population is projected to reach 134.2 crore by 2045, underscoring the urgent race between sugar & sight. By focusing on early detection, breakthrough therapies, and innovative solutions, we aim to protect vision and reduce preventable blindness.”
Expert Panel Insights
As per the press release, the conclave featured renowned healthcare leaders, including Dr. Lalit Verma, Dr. Mahipal Sachdev, Dr. R. Kim, Dr. M.R. Dogra, Dr. Chaitra Jayadev, and Dr. Shashank Joshi. Together, they represented expertise in retinal care, endocrinology, and healthcare policy.
The panel deliberated on the following key points:
- Early Detection: Most diabetics are unaware of DME until vision loss occurs. Routine eye check-ups and public awareness are crucial.
- Therapy Options: Available treatments include anti-VEGF short-acting injections, corticosteroid long-acting implants, and laser therapies.
- Affordable Care: Expanding access to quality eye care beyond metropolitan cities is essential.
- Technology & Awareness: Community-level awareness campaigns and technology-driven screening can reduce the risk of vision loss, especially in rural areas.
- Collaborative Care: Ophthalmologists and endocrinologists must work together to ensure holistic diabetes management.
The Growing Need for Awareness
Diabetic Macular Edema affects the macula—the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. Prolonged high blood sugar damages retinal blood vessels, causing fluid leakage into the macula and resulting in swelling, distortion, and eventual vision loss.
Because DME often progresses silently, it is now one of the leading causes of preventable blindness among working-age adults. With over 100 million people living with diabetes in India, the number of individuals at risk is expected to rise. Unfortunately, awareness about DME remains far lower than awareness of other diabetes-related complications.
The Call to Action
The conclave concluded with a strong call for coordinated action. Stakeholders must prioritize education, early screening, and timely treatment to reduce the social and economic burden of diabetes-related blindness. By taking proactive steps now, India can prevent millions from losing their sight to a condition that is both detectable and treatable.