In Delhi, AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating innovative medicines and solutions, organized the National Conclave on World Retina Day at the India Habitat Centre. The focus was on Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), a major cause of vision loss among individuals with diabetes. A report from the Cleveland Clinic in 2025 indicated that approximately 1 in 14 people with diabetes suffers from DME. The event gathered esteemed experts to raise awareness about vision loss related to diabetes and discuss collaborative strategies to tackle the increasing burden of retinal diseases in India. Although evidence-based treatments have substantially improved patient outcomes, significant challenges remain.
Issues such as limited awareness, high treatment costs, the necessity of frequent injections, and unequal access to retinal care obstruct timely diagnosis and effective management. The discussions emphasized the need for policy-level interventions, including the integration of mandatory retinal screenings into national diabetes initiatives, the enhancement of public and private partnerships to broaden specialized retinal care services, and ensuring that trained specialists are available in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Suresh Pattathil, Managing Director & General Manager of AbbVie India, stated, “We are proud to leverage over 75 years of global eye care expertise to positively impact the 3 million individuals in India living with Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).
The National Conclave on World Retina Day highlights the effect of diabetes on vision loss. By 2045, India’s diabetic population is projected to reach 134.2 crore, emphasizing the urgent need to address the relationship between sugar and sight. By promoting early detection, increasing access to innovative therapies, and adopting new solutions, we aim to protect vision, improve patient outcomes, and work towards a future where preventable blindness is no longer a concern.” The conclave featured a distinguished panel of healthcare professionals from across India, including Dr. Lalit Verma, Dr. Mahipal Sachdev, Dr. R. Kim, Dr. M.R. Dogra, Dr. Chaitra Jayadev, and Dr. Shashank Joshi.
These experts discussed the increasing burden of DME and the importance of comprehensive eye examinations and a patient-focused approach, highlighting the need for public awareness as many diabetics are unaware of DME and advocating for accessible and affordable treatment options. They also reviewed various available therapies, including anti-VEGF short-acting treatments, long-acting corticosteroid implants, and laser therapies.
