Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow has inaugurated a pattern-scanning retinal laser system and an Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography facility, expanding its capacity to diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy more quickly and precisely.
The new equipment was introduced at the institute on Saturday as part of efforts to improve retinal care for patients with diabetes. The facility was inaugurated alongside a conference-cum-workshop on diabetic retinopathy, attended by ophthalmologists from across Uttar Pradesh.
RMLIMS director Prof C M Singh said a 2025 study conducted in parts of Lakhimpur Kheri and Shahjahanpur found diabetic retinopathy in 22.8% of people with diabetes. The same study found that 5.8% had the sight-threatening form of the condition. Singh cautioned that the findings did not represent prevalence across Uttar Pradesh, but said they indicated the scale of the disease burden in the region.
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to blood vessels in the retina. The condition can result in blurred vision, floaters and poor night vision, and may lead to irreversible blindness if it is not detected and treated. In its early stages, it can remain without noticeable symptoms, making routine screening important for people living with diabetes.
The pattern-scanning retinal laser is intended to support treatment of retinal disease, while OCTA provides imaging of blood vessels in the retina without the use of dye. The institute said the combination would enable faster diagnosis and treatment for patients with diabetic retinopathy. The report did not specify the equipment’s procurement cost, capacity or the number of patients expected to use the new facility.
Chief medical superintendent Prof Vikram Singh stressed the need for regular retinal screening, particularly because diabetic retinopathy may progress before patients experience visible changes in their eyesight. Earlier detection can help clinicians identify retinal damage and determine whether laser treatment or other forms of care are required.
The infrastructure addition comes as government hospitals and medical institutes face the challenge of providing specialised care for chronic diseases alongside routine services. In this case, the institute’s intervention is focused on a complication of diabetes that requires ophthalmic imaging, specialist assessment and timely treatment rather than only general medical follow-up.
The conference-cum-workshop was chaired by Prof Luxmi Singh, and discussions covered developments in retinal imaging and laser therapy. Ophthalmologists from across Uttar Pradesh participated in the programme, which placed the new facility within a wider effort to share advances in diabetic retinopathy care.
RMLIMS has not announced further operational details, including whether the facility will provide screening through a dedicated schedule, the eligibility process for patients referred from other districts or the expected waiting time for appointments. The institute’s stated next step is to use the new systems for faster diagnosis and treatment while continuing to emphasise regular retinal screening.
