AI-Powered Smartphone App Detects Diabetic Retinopathy in Rural India

AI-Powered Smartphone App Detects Diabetes-Related Vision Problems

Remidio Medios DR uses AI to detect diabetic retinopathy, transforming vision care in remote Indian regions. CDSCO approved

Remidio Medios DR App Receives CDSCO Approval for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening

A Breakthrough in Rural Eye Care Using AI

A Bengaluru-based health tech startup, Remidio Innovative Solutions, has launched a new smartphone app that could change the way diabetic eye disease is detected. The Remidio Medios DR app, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), was recently approved by India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

This revolutionary tool helps identify diabetic retinopathy (DR), a condition that affects the eyes of diabetic patients and can cause permanent vision loss. With early screening, this condition is often preventable.

Screening Without Internet or High-End Servers

Unlike many AI-based medical tools, this app works offline. Once downloaded onto a smartphone, it connects to Remidio’s portable retinal camera. This feature allows health workers to perform eye screenings even in remote areas, where there’s no internet or advanced infrastructure.

Currently, this system is being used in regions like Himachal Pradesh and rural West Bengal. One key advantage is that patients do not need pupil dilation, making the process faster and more comfortable.

Why Early Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy Is Vital

Diabetic retinopathy develops when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. These vessels may leak, swell, or become blocked. In more advanced stages, abnormal new vessels may form, leading to bleeding or vision loss.

The good news? Early detection and timely care can prevent most cases of DR-related blindness. That’s why accessible and affordable screening tools like this app are critical in low-resource areas.

How the AI Technology Works

The Remidio Medios DR app uses deep learning techniques to analyse retinal images. Specifically, it relies on two convolutional neural networks built on Google’s Inception-V3 framework.

According to a study in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, the app has shown high accuracy in detecting different stages of DR. The algorithm was trained using over 50,000 retina images, making it reliable across diverse populations.

Global Approvals and India’s Rising Role in AI Health Tech

Alongside approval from CDSCO, the app has also received clearance from the European Commission and the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore. However, it is not yet approved for use in the United States.

Still, this marks a big win for India. “We’re thrilled to help bring care closer to patients,” said Dr. Divya Rao, Chief Medical Officer at Remidio. “It’s also exciting to see India emerge as a leader in using AI to prevent avoidable blindness.”

From Research to Real-World Impact

Dr. Rajiv Raman, a senior eye surgeon at Sankara Nethralaya, emphasised the app’s public health value. He noted that Remidio’s real-world testing, especially in primary care settings, has helped close care gaps and analyse the cost-effectiveness of AI in routine screenings.

He also pointed out that this technology doesn’t just help doctors diagnose better. It also empowers entire health systems to improve outreach and outcomes.

A Game-Changer for Vision Health

The Remidio Medios DR app shows how smartphone-based AI tools can make high-quality healthcare more accessible. By eliminating the need for the internet, simplifying procedures, and gaining global credibility, it helps bridge the gap between innovation and public health.

India is now not only solving its healthcare challenges but also setting an example for the world.

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