MUSCAT : This innovative initiative aims to reduce the risk of vision loss and ensure timely treatment for individuals diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The project, which marks Sultanate of Oman as the third country worldwide to implement it, was launched today, March 17, under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology.

In his speech, His Excellency Dr. Saeed bin Hareb Al Lamki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, emphasised that the project represents a significant leap forward in Oman’s healthcare system. By adopting the latest technologies and best international practices, the program aims to offer rapid examinations, reduce waiting times for eye clinics, and expand early detection services across healthcare institutions.

Dr. Lamki explained that the programme will significantly improve the quality of life for diabetic patients in Oman. He also highlighted the project’s economic benefits, as it will lower healthcare costs by preventing advanced cases that require more expensive treatments.

The project’s importance lies in its ability to address the major challenges facing diabetic patients in the Sultanate of Oman. Statistics indicate that 15 percent of Oman’s adult population suffers from diabetes, placing them at risk for retinopathy, a serious condition that can lead to blindness if untreated. To address this, 25 healthcare facilities across the country have been equipped with advanced retinal imaging devices to facilitate patient access to screenings.

The initiative also employs cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems that use machine learning and computer vision to analyse retinal images. Trained on hundreds of thousands of images, AI can distinguish between healthy retinas and those showing signs of diabetic impairment. Retinal cameras capture high-resolution images of the retina, allowing the AI system to detect changes in blood vessels and other early indicators of retinopathy. The system instantly alerts doctors, enabling faster diagnosis and intervention.

In the project’s first phase, retinal imaging devices have been placed in healthcare centres across the Sultanate. The Health Ministry plans to expand the project further by adding new screening programs, including for glaucoma and keratoconus, and integrating other medical technologies to enhance healthcare delivery.

The Ministry also plans to develop a local AI engine, trained specifically on retinal images from Oman, further strengthening the country’s position in global health innovation. This project is notable not only for its technological advancements but also because Oman is the third country worldwide to implement such a program.

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