What is the name of your organization?
Nicetyfarm Technologies Limited
What is the name of your solution?
Optscan
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Diabetic care in your hands: Easy monitoring and early detection anytime, anywhere.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Lusaka, Zambia
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
ZMB
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
—
What specific problem are you solving?
We are addressing the challenges of diabetes management and early detection of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness. Globally, over 537 million adults live with diabetes, and this number is projected to reach 783 million by 2045. Approximately one-third of diabetics develop diabetic retinopathy, with 10% suffering from vision-threatening stages. Limited access to regular screening, high costs, and the invasive nature of traditional blood glucose monitoring hinder effective disease management, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Our solution empowers individuals with a non-invasive, affordable smartphone-based tool for blood sugar monitoring and early detection of diabetic retinopathy, reducing complications and preventing vision loss.
What is your solution?
Our solution is a non-invasive smartphone-based tool that helps monitor blood sugar levels and detect diabetic retinopathy early. Using the phone's camera, the system captures images of the eye, enhanced with near-infrared technology. AI-powered algorithms then analyze these images to detect abnormalities in the retina, which are early signs of diabetic retinopathy, and assess glucose levels based on eye patterns linked to blood sugar. This allows users to regularly monitor their condition without the need for finger pricks or expensive equipment, making it especially useful for people with limited access to healthcare. The technology provides fast, reliable results and empowers individuals to take control of their health with just their smartphone.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Our solution serves individuals living with diabetes, particularly those in underserved communities, including low-income areas and regions with limited access to healthcare. Over 50% of diabetics globally lack regular screening for diabetic retinopathy, and many face barriers to traditional glucose monitoring, such as cost, invasiveness, and access to healthcare professionals. By providing an easy-to-use, affordable, and non-invasive method for both blood sugar monitoring and early detection of diabetic retinopathy, our solution directly addresses these barriers. It empowers users to regularly track their health, leading to better management of their diabetes, reduced risk of complications, and early intervention to prevent vision loss. This is especially impactful for individuals in remote or resource-poor settings, improving their quality of life and providing a crucial step towards proactive, preventative care.