Muscat – A national programme has been launched to improve the detection and management of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among diabetic patients. It  integrates artificial intelligence (AI) technology to reduce the risk of vision loss and provide timely intervention for individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

As the third country globally to implement an AI-powered diabetic retinopathy screening programme, Oman is positioning itself at the forefront of healthcare innovation. The initiative aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and expand early detection services.

The programme was inaugurated by H E Saeed bin Hamood al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, in the presence of key health officials on Monday.

H E Dr Saeed bin Hareb al Lamki, Undersecretary for Health Affairs in Ministry of Health, described the programme as part of a broader government strategy to integrate advanced technologies into healthcare. “It will improve the screening process by accommodating more patients, reducing waiting time at eye clinics and expanding early detection services across healthcare institutions,” he said. “This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for diabetic patients by detecting diabetic retinopathy early and enabling timely treatment.”

Initially, 25 healthcare facilities across the sultanate will be equipped with advanced retinal imaging devices, strategically chosen to ensure accessibility for patients nationwide. “The programme is also expected to have an economic impact by reducing the long-term costs associated with treating advanced diabetic eye disease,” H E Dr Lamki added.

With 15% of Oman’s adult population affected by diabetes, the risk of diabetic retinopathy remains a major public health concern. The programme seeks to establish a nationwide framework for early detection and management, reducing the incidence of blindness and improving access to quality eye care.

AI technology will play a crucial role in screening, using machine learning and computer vision to analyse retinal images and differentiate between healthy and affected retinas. This approach is expected to enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and ease the burden on healthcare professionals. Future plans include expanding the programme to additional health centres and launching new screening initiatives for conditions such as glaucoma and keratoconus. Virtual health solutions and connected devices will also be introduced to reduce pressure on specialist clinics. A key long-term goal is development of a local AI engine trained on Omani retinal images, further strengthening the sultanate’s healthcare capabilities.