Publications:
To explore RIIO faculty research interests and publications click here.
RAIDERS TRIAL:
The RAIDERS randomised clinical trial was designed to determine if artificial
intelligence (AI)-supported diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening improved referral
uptake in Rwanda. The study showed that immediate feedback on referral status
based on AI-supported screening was associated with statistically significantly higher
referral adherence compared with delayed communications of results from human
graders. These results provide evidence for an important benefit of AI screening in
promoting adherence to prescribed treatment for diabetic eye care in sub-Saharan
Africa.
Further work on AI explored the real life implementation of screening for DR using AI
providing evidence for its feasibility and acceptability even in a low resource country
like Rwanda
WHO PEC FOR SCHOOL SCREENING:
RIIO pioneered the use of the WHO curriculum for primary eye care as a tool for
school screening and found it to be a viable and effective tool for ocular health
screening in schools. The use of this curriculum in Rwanda means that school vision
screening can be sustainably integrated into the sustainable PEC system that is
available in every sector in the country. The research also revealed the value of
making school vision screening programs comprehensive and not focused purely on
refractive error detection. More details can be found in the publication in the Journal
of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
RAAB SURVEYS:
The first regional rapid assessment of avoidable blindness survey in Rwanda was
published 2007 covering the then Western Province. The Principal investigators
were RIIO founders. This survey showed that cataract was the leading cause of
blindness in Rwanda. It raised alarm over the outcomes of cataract surgery.
The first nation wide survey of blindness in Rwanda was published in 2021 . The
survey was conducted by RIIO. It highlighted the persistence of cataract as the
leading cause of blindness, the rising role of posterior segment blinding eye
diseases. It also showed an encouraging rise in surgical coverage and improving
cataract surgical outcomes. The change in practice and policy based on the survey
findings were highlighted in the publication.
Research
RIIO has a clear ambition to establish itself as a top-tier research center within the African continent. We target impactful and innovative research that significantly contributes to the development and advancement of knowledge that can reduce blindness in Rwanda and beyond. Our research ranges from Population based studies to randomised trails.