November 14, 2024, – On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the CheckEye platform presents the results of its initiatives in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) at the national level. CheckEye is the first AI-based platform in Europe to conduct nationwide DR screening—even during wartime, when millions of Ukrainians face limited access to essential medical services.
A systematic solution to a global Issue
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss among adults with the disease. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of people with diabetes worldwide could rise to 1.3 billion by 2050. In Ukraine, the diabetes prevalence has reached 7.1%, affecting over 2.3 million people, nearly half of whom are unaware of their condition, significantly increasing the risk of developing severe complications.
Leadership in times of war
CheckEye has demonstrated its unique ability to operate under crisis conditions. The platform has successfully implemented mass AI screening for DR in six regions of Ukraine, including Chernivtsi, Zakarpattia, Vinnytsia, and Kyiv regions. In partnership with the Ukrainian Diabetes Federation and as part of the “Seeing a Colorful World-2” project, the platform supports Ukrainians who have lost access to healthcare due to martial law and the full-scale invasion. Screening results revealed that approximately 30% of patients had DR, many of whom were previously unaware of their diagnosis.
High diagnostic accuracy and social Impact
The CheckEye platform has achieved significant results: through AI analysis, it has prevented vision loss in over 10% of patients at risk of serious deterioration or vision loss. This success is attributed to its high accuracy, achieving 95% sensitivity and 90% specificity, enabling early detection of chronic diseases and conserving valuable healthcare resources.
“We are proud to contribute to the health of our country during such a challenging time,” says Kyrylo Goncharuk, CEO of CheckEye. “The CheckEye platform enables us to achieve unique results in diabetic retinopathy screening, enhancing disease detection efficiency among patients, even under martial law. This is a true breakthrough that we aim to expand internationally to help millions receive timely diagnoses.”
Global expansion: strategic partnerships and international projects
CheckEye is actively expanding its international operations. In addition to Ukraine, we are already implementing screening in Austria, Romania, Germany, Oman, and Malaysia, confirming the platform’s global potential. Notably, in Germany, CheckEye collaborates with Gesundheitskiosk24 for a pilot project, while in Austria, it has partnered with largest pharmacy chain, Marien-Apotheke. Through partnerships with leading medical and pharmaceutical organizations, CheckEye is laying the groundwork for further expansion in Europe and other regions worldwide.
Future prospects and long-term vision
CheckEye has an ambitious development plan: the goal is not only to diagnose diabetic retinopathy but also to screen for over 40 chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative and cardiovascular conditions. The platform aims to extend healthy lifespans for millions of people globally, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving the quality of medical services.
Like World Diabetes Day, the CheckEye platform draws attention to the significant impact of diabetes and its complications, as well as the extraordinary potential of AI in preventive medicine. Our platform emphasizes the importance of early disease detection as a key tool in combating complications associated with diabetes.