The UAE News Report
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE have announced a collaboration to improve early detection and management of diabetic macular edema through locally generated real-world evidence.
The initiative, announced at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026, will examine existing care pathways, clinical outcomes and opportunities for earlier intervention across the emirate.
Diabetic macular edema, or DME, affects the central part of the retina and can cause significant vision loss. The partners said early screening, diagnosis, appropriate treatment and continued follow-up are important to reducing avoidable sight loss.
Local evidence to identify gaps
The collaboration will examine how people with diabetes access and experience eye care in Abu Dhabi, including screening practices, referral routes and healthcare resource use.
The findings are intended to identify gaps and inform targeted interventions suited to the emirate’s population and healthcare system.
Dr Asma AlMannaei, executive director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH Abu Dhabi, said: “The value of health data lies in what we do with it.”
She said the collaboration would generate local evidence to inform improvements in screening, referrals and follow-up, helping people protect their vision and quality of life.
From earlier detection to follow-up
Mohamed ElShaarawy, general manager for the UAE at Roche Pharmaceuticals, said real-world evidence can show how care is delivered, where patients experience delays and how healthcare systems can respond.
The partners aim to translate those insights into practical improvements from early detection through to long-term management, supporting more coordinated and sustainable diabetic eye care.
The announcement forms part of the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit’s focus on earlier insight, timely intervention and care that responds to people’s needs.
