Inclusion of diabetic retinopathy screening strategies in national-level diabetes care planning in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a major public health concern, with approximately 80% of the burden falling on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes, and early detection through diabetic eye screening programmes is essential to prevent visual impairment and blindness. Careful planning at a national level is crucial for effective implementation of such programmes. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted, and the protocol was published previously to explain the methods in detail. Data were collected from databases and searches, including grey literature. Furthermore, consultations were conducted with key informants from LMICs. RESULTS: Lower-middle-income countries (29/50, 58%) and upper-middle-income countries (27/59, 45.8%) are making more progress than low-income countries (4/29, 13.8%) in terms of DR policy planning. However, no identified data for published policies have actually implemented national DR policies. Compared to low-income and lower-middle-income countries, upper-middle-income countries are making the most progress in implementing national diabetic eye screening programmes; however, their progress is still slow, with only 5/59 (8.5%) having such programmes. CONCLUSION: There are significant gaps in the literature, with no data reported for 78/138 (56.5%) LMICs. Further research is clearly needed to support and document DR policy development in LMICs. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12961-022-00940-0.