The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE have announced a strategic collaboration to improve the early detection, diagnosis and management of diabetic macular oedema (DME), a diabetes-related complication that can cause vision impairment and potentially lead to sight loss.
Announced at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026, the initiative will use real-world evidence (RWE) to assess existing care pathways, clinical outcomes and opportunities for earlier intervention across Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system.
DME affects the central part of the retina and can result in significant vision loss if not identified and managed promptly. Regular eye screening, accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and continued follow-up are important for preserving vision among people living with diabetes.
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Under the collaboration, DoH and Roche will generate local evidence to better understand the burden of DME, examining screening practices, referral pathways, healthcare resource utilisation and patient outcomes. The findings are expected to help identify gaps in care and guide targeted improvements suited to the needs of Abu Dhabi’s population.
Dr Asma AlMannaei, Executive Director, Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, commented: “The value of health data lies in what we do with it. For people living with diabetes, this means using evidence to identify where eye care can be strengthened, so that risks are recognised and addressed earlier. Abu Dhabi is building an intelligent health system that connects insight with timely, coordinated care. Our collaboration with Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE will generate local evidence to inform improvements in screening, referrals and follow-up, helping more people protect their vision and maintain their quality of life.”
The partners will also explore ways to strengthen screening and early detection, improve referrals to specialist ophthalmology services, support evidence-based treatment and follow-up, and increase awareness of regular eye examinations.
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A joint taskforce will oversee the programme’s phased activities, facilitate knowledge exchange and translate emerging evidence into practical recommendations.
The collaboration supports Abu Dhabi’s wider ambition to use health data and coordinated care to identify risks earlier, improve patient outcomes and prevent avoidable vision loss.
Mohamed ElShaarawy, General Manager for the UAE at Roche Pharmaceuticals, added: “Early detection and timely management of diabetic eye conditions are essential to reducing the risk of avoidable vision loss among people living with diabetes. Real-world evidence provides valuable insights into how care is delivered, where patients may experience delays and how healthcare systems can better respond to their needs.”
