Abu Dhabi Department of Health and Roche collaborate on real-world evidence for diabetic eye care
 

(ABU DHABI) - The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE have announced a collaboration to examine how real-world evidence (RWE) can inform the early detection and management of diabetic macular edema (DME), a complication of diabetes that can cause vision loss. The announcement was made at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit (ADFHS) 2026.

The initiative will focus on evaluating existing care pathways, screening practices, clinical outcomes, and healthcare resource utilization to identify potential gaps in DME care across Abu Dhabi. The findings are intended to inform recommendations for improving screening, diagnosis, referral and long-term follow-up.

DME occurs when fluid accumulates in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. Without timely diagnosis and appropriate management, the condition can lead to significant visual impairment. Regular eye examinations, early detection, and ongoing monitoring are important components of care for people living with diabetes.

Dr. Asma AlMannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, said the collaboration would use locally generated evidence to identify opportunities to improve screening, referrals and follow-up for people at risk of diabetic eye complications.

“The value of health data lies in what we do with it,” she said, adding that the findings could help inform more timely and coordinated care within Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system.

As part of the program, DoH and Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE will examine the burden of DME among people living with diabetes in the Emirate. The analysis will consider how patients access eye screening and specialist services, how referrals are managed, and what clinical outcomes are observed across existing care pathways.

While international clinical research provides evidence on DME and its management, local data may help identify differences in access to care and service delivery within Abu Dhabi. The collaboration will use these insights to explore potential interventions tailored to the needs of the local population and healthcare system.

Mohamed ElShaarawy, General Manager for the UAE at Roche Pharmaceuticals, said real-world evidence could help identify delays in care and areas where patient pathways may be improved.

He added that the collaboration would bring together Roche’s scientific expertise and local healthcare data to examine opportunities for improvement across screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

The partners will also explore measures to strengthen screening and early detection, improve referral pathways to specialist ophthalmology services, and support evidence-based approaches to treatment and patient monitoring. Other areas under consideration include training for healthcare professionals and raising awareness among people living with diabetes about the importance of regular eye examinations.

A joint task force will oversee the program’s phased activities, facilitate knowledge exchange and develop recommendations based on the evidence generated. These recommendations are expected to align with recognized clinical standards and Abu Dhabi’s healthcare priorities.

The collaboration forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to use health data to inform prevention, early intervention and care coordination. Further details on the program’s implementation, including its timeline and specific outcomes, were not provided in the announcement.
 

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