As part of the initiative, Apollo Telehealth has performed over 2.4 million refraction tests and analysed more than 900,000 fundus images to identify early indicators of conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye-related problems for patients

Through the use of state-of-the-art digital technologies and a team of qualified experienced ophthalmologists, optometrists and technicians, Apollo TeleHealth has made a significant impact in Mukhyamantri e-Eye Kendram initiative of the Government of Andhra Pradesh by providing eye care services to more than 2.5 million people across 115 Mukyamantri e-Eye Kendram (tele-ophthalmology Centres) located throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh.

As part of the initiative, Apollo Telehealth has performed over 2.4 million refraction tests and analysed more than 900,000 fundus images to identify early indicators of conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye-related problems for patients. Through their advanced telehealth services platform, they have also delivered more than 1.9 million spectacles for vision correction to patients across Andhra Pradesh.

This tele-ophthalmology service is one of the largest Public-Private Partnership projects in India. The Andhra Pradesh Government has been implementing the “Mukhyamantri e-Eye Kendram-MeEK programme since 1st February 2018.

“The accomplishment is particularly noteworthy since many of these people were residing in remote areas with limited access to all specialities for their health care needs. Over 1.4 lakh potential beneficiaries were referred to higher centres for further treatment. This project has played a vital role in using telemedicine to address healthcare challenges in rural areas,” said J Nivas, IAS, Commissioner of Health & Family Welfare, Government of AP.

Commenting on this, Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “As eye-related illnesses continue to increase in India, there is a growing need for increased awareness and access to high-quality eye care services. Tele-ophthalmology can play a critical role in extending eye care to remote and underserved communities, offering regular eye exams in rural areas while enhancing the detection and treatment of various eye disorders."

"For large nation like ours, innovation is the way forward for bringing health care services to every nook and corner, Apollo Hospitals Group is committed to playing our role with various State and Central Government to add strength in this direction,” she added.

Speaking about the program, Mr Vikram Thaploo, CEO of Apollo Telehealth said the Apollo tele-Ophthalmology centre is renowned for its systematic approach in organising tele-Ophthalmology programs and minimising patient waiting times. At Apollo TeleHealth, there is no compromise on the accuracy and quality in all our health care programs.

Providing quality eye care services to remote rural areas in India is a major challenge, as accessing an ophthalmologist can involve significant distances. Tele-ophthalmology has emerged as a critical tool for reaching those who may be otherwise unreachable, enabling routine eye exams to be conducted in rural areas and improving the detection and treatment of various eye disease.