Eyebetes Foundation, in collaboration with Forus Health, will conduct free diabetes and eye-health screening at Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple and GSB Ganpati Mandal during the Ganpati festival. The pilot programme is expected to reach more than 15,000 devotees with diabetes screening, retinal assessments and preventive healthcare awareness.
Retinal Imaging for Diabetes Risk Assessment
As per a press release, the initiative will use Forus Health’s AI-enabled retinal screening technology, including FH-POISE AI, to analyse retinal images for indicators associated with diabetes risk and estimate HbA1c levels without an initial blood draw or laboratory processing.
The retina provides a non-invasive view of the body’s microvascular system. Since diabetes can affect small retinal blood vessels, retinal imaging can capture structural changes that AI models can analyse for potential risk indicators. Consequently, retinal screening could serve as an additional tool to identify individuals who may require confirmatory blood testing and medical consultation.
“Through FH-POISE AI solutions, we are exploring how a simple retinal image can provide insights that traditionally require a blood test,” said Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Research & Development, Forus Health.
Expanding Community-Based Screening
The initiative is particularly relevant in India, where barriers such as cost, limited laboratory access, geographical distance and lack of awareness can affect regular HbA1c testing. Therefore, community-based retinal screening could provide an additional point of access for preliminary diabetes risk assessment.
Dr. Nishant Kumar, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Retina Surgeon and Uveitis Specialist and Founder, Eyebetes Foundation, said that AI-powered retinal screening could make diabetes risk assessment more accessible while supporting early identification of people who may need further evaluation. He also emphasised that the technology should complement, rather than replace, conventional blood testing and clinical diagnosis.
Potential for Wider Healthcare Use
Beyond the Ganpati festival, retinal imaging could potentially support screening camps, primary healthcare centres, mobile health units and other high-footfall community settings. AI-assisted analysis may also help healthcare teams identify individuals who require further testing and consultation.
The screening programme will be conducted at Siddhivinayak Temple and GSB Ganpati Mandal in Mumbai during the festival. The resulting health insights are intended for awareness and preliminary risk assessment and are not a substitute for conventional HbA1c testing, clinical diagnosis or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.