Eye problems are one serious consequence potentially associated with diabetes
about a third of all of our exams are done inside the patient ’ s home in an environment that is not standard . Every single home is unique , with different lighting and other things that can impact the quality of that image ,” Martin explained .
Historically , about 15-20 percent of images captured are not of sufficient quality that a physician can render an interpretation . When these are enhanced by IRIS ’ platform , though , Martin claims to get about a 95 percent “ gradeability ” rate .
“ This really increases the value of that programme . We have an FDA clearance that allows us to diagnose the four stages of diabetic retinopathy as well as macular edema ,” he said .
The screening , which “ closes care gaps ” in the American health system , is reimbursable by Medicare and most commercial payers .
Through their respective approaches to taking on flawed systems on opposite sides of the world , IRIS and Remidio hope over time to make the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy more accessible .
But even the best technology and screening plans can ’ t alone identify the condition in its early stages , meaning both startups and others like them will need to also tackle an even bigger challenge – changing human behaviour . How can this be done ?
“ The key approach is through education ,” said Martin . “ The diabetic problem here in the US is only going to grow larger . And sometimes , when you have diabetic retinopathy , there ’ s not a lot of degradation of the vision , so you don ’ t necessarily know that you need to go see the eye care specialist .
“ We ’ ve got to create an awareness . It ’ s starting to happen here in the US which is , how do I care for the entire diabetic experience , not only A1C , insulin , having my feet checked , but making it all part of a diabetic cure package ,” he said .
“ In India , bringing people onboard all boils down to cost ,” said Dr Anand .
“ The way we see that behavioural change will happen is if the cost of actually getting it done is reduced to a point at which screening is not seen as an expense , but it is something that they would actually pay for .”
Based on its own research , Remidio has been able to put a price on this . In cities , the startup found that patients were ready to pay the equivalent of what they would normally spend on a cinema ticket for diabetic retinopathy screening .
“ So , you see , it ’ s about them looking at screening not initially as an investment but as an expense . That ’ s the viewpoint we have to change ,” he added .
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com APRIL 2021
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