The worldwide prevalence of diabetes is escalating at an alarming rate, creating a global public health crisis. Diabetic retinopathy, a potentially blinding complication of diabetes, is the leading cause of blindness among working-age populations in the developed world. In the urbanizing developing world, diabetic retinopathy is an emerging public health concern.

A project by Sight For All aims to increase awareness about diabetic retinopathy within Myanmar's health worker community. It also provides training and specialised equipment to regional ophthalmologists for the early diagnosis and treatment of this blinding condition.

Dr Cesar Carrillo, Sight For All's Ophthalmic Public Health Officer, visited five Secondary Eye Centres in Myanmar in July 2017. Dr Michelle Sun visited four more centres in September, and another five visits will take place before the end of the calendar year.

As part of each visit, Sight For All presents a workshop about diabetic retinopathy and demonstrates the use of a piece of equipment called an indirect ophthalmoscope, which is used for screening the retina to diagnose diabetic retinopathy and patient follow up.

A large number of doctors, nurses and health workers have participated in this project, with up to 80 people in attendance at some workshops. An indirect ophthalmoscope is provided to each centre for their ongoing use in early diagnosis of this blinding condition.

Sight For All is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program.