Report: Systemic gaps in ophthalmic care as a public health risk – Policy recommendations from a regional white paper

Abstract

The white paper examines the systemic challenges related to the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the Central and Eastern European region. Both conditions represent an increasing health burden, while care in the region remains fragmented, treatment infrastructure is uneven, financing is insufficient, and public awareness of these diseases is low. The document highlights that the failure to ensure timely detection and treatment not only results in significant individual health loss but also creates a substantial public health burden. The document provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology of these conditions, highlighting gaps within healthcare systems, geographical inequalities in access to diagnostic and therapeutic services, and the severe health, social, and economic consequences associated with late detection. The white paper serves as a policy call to action, encouraging coordinated efforts among patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and civil society organizations. Its key policy recommendations include: (1) development of harmonized regional and national guidelines; (2) public and professional awareness campaigns; (3) implementation of targeted screening programs and mobile services; (4) improving diagnostic and therapeutic capacity, especially in rural areas; (5) accelerating reimbursement of novel treatments and technologies; and (6) strengthening long-term follow-up, rehabilitation and patient-centered support systems, thereby reinforcing the public health significance of coordinated, system-level responses.