Oman ranks 3rd worldwide in AI diabetic retinopathy

Oman has emerged as the third country in the world to deploy a national artificial intelligence screening programme for diabetic retinopathy, a move that has dramatically reduced clinic waitlists and accelerated diagnosis for thousands of patients. The National Project for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Using Artificial Intelligence Technologies has screened more than 43,000 patients, identified over 12,000 people requiring specialist follow-up and cut waiting lists at specialist eye clinics by 87% since its launch.

"The project has contributed to enhancing the efficiency of healthcare services provided to diabetic patients in the sultanate," said Anas bin Nasser Al Kimyani, Director of the National Virtual Health Centre at the Ministry of Health.

Key programme outcomes

• More than 43,000 retinal images analysed by the AI system;
• Approximately 30% of screened patients (about 12,900) flagged for specialist clinical examination;
• Waiting times for examination and treatment appointments reduced from 62 days to 8 days in the first seven months;
• Screening time reduced from roughly 90 minutes (with pupil-dilating drops) to around 15 minutes;
• Diagnostic accuracy recorded at 91.3% and sensitivity at 85%;
• Annual operating costs cut by 43.2% compared with previous procedures;
• Initial rollout covers 25 health institutions across governorates, with highest utilisation in Seeb, Bausher, Suhar and Ibri.

The ministry reports that the AI system analysed more than 43,000 retinal images and identified roughly 30% of patients for further clinical examination, enabling earlier treatment for those at risk of vision deterioration. Screening efficiency gains have allowed ophthalmologists to prioritise complex cases, treatment and surgery rather than routine image review. The project has also had an economic impact: officials say AI screening reduced operating costs by 43.2% annually versus prior methods, and is helping avoid costs associated with advanced disease and surgery following late diagnosis.

Health authorities stress the programme addresses a pressing public-health challenge: about 15% of Oman’s adult population lives with diabetes, placing a significant proportion at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, which can damage retinal blood vessels and lead to vision loss if untreated. The initiative's first phase operates at 25 institutions, with retinal imaging equipment distributed geographically to improve access and reach communities beyond major urban centres.

Outlook and next steps

Officials plan to extend screening to all adults registered with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in Oman, with screening frequency tailored to disease severity. Expansion to additional health centres — particularly in remote areas — is planned to broaden coverage beyond the current high-use sites in Seeb, Bausher, Suhar and Ibri.

Beyond diabetic retinopathy, the project roadmap includes AI-assisted screening for glaucoma and keratoconus, wider use of virtual medicine and specialist follow-up clinics. Authorities also intend to develop a local AI engine trained on retinal images collected in the sultanate, a step that could tailor diagnostic tools more closely to the population’s characteristics and further improve accuracy and care pathways for diabetic eye disease.