Sightsavers India and Roche Launch Diabetic Retinopathy Clinic in Bhopal
Sightsavers India, in partnership with Roche, has launched a Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) Clinic in Bhopal, under the Amrita Drishti – Urban Eye Health Programme. This initiative aims to enhance early detection and management of retinal conditions among underserved urban populations in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. This initiative is dedicated to improving access to high-quality eye health services for women, children and the elderly within marginalised communities.
The launch event was attended by Dr. Anshul Upadhyay - SPO, NPCBVI Madhya Pradesh; Dr. Vivek Som - Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal; Dr Manish Khichi, Lead – Market Access, Roche Products; Ms Tasha Mahanta, State Programme Lead – Bhopal, Sightsavers India; and Mr Mayur Verma, Deputy Manager – DSTG, Sightsavers India, along with other representatives.
Addressing Preventable Blindness
The initiative establishes a dedicated Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) clinic at Jai Prakash District Hospital in Bhopal and strengthens existing health systems through the installation of a fundus camera to enable early and timely screening. Patients diagnosed with diabetes are referred for screening to this facility, and those requiring further diagnosis or treatment are directed to Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal. This approach ensures a streamlined pathway from initial screening to tertiary care.
In addition, Sightsavers India will focus on strengthening referral systems, offering technical support, conducting outreach and awareness activities to encourage positive eye health-seeking behaviour, and collaborating closely with government stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of these improvements within the urban health system.
Statements on the Initiative
Dr Monika Puri, Chief Commercial Officer at Roche, highlighted the importance of early intervention: “Diabetic retinopathy is a silent threat that can steal vision even before symptoms appear. Through this, Amrita Drishti - a dedicated retina clinic at JP Hospital, Bhopal, we aim to ensure timely screening, early diagnosis, and access to treatment for every person living with retinal diseases. Protecting sight is not a luxury - it is essential to living with dignity and independence.”
RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, emphasised the impact on underserved communities: “This initiative under our Amrita Drishti – Urban Eye Health Programme is designed to strengthen and complement the government’s efforts to address non-communicable diseases and prevent avoidable blindness. We are working closely with public health institutions to enhance screening systems, build clinical capacity, and establish clear referral pathways for timely treatment. Lasting impact is achieved by embedding solutions within existing health systems, and we sincerely thank Roche for partnering with us to advance equitable and accessible retinal care for underserved communities.”
