YOGYAKARTA – The Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) conducted a retina screening event on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the university’s Makarios Building. Aimed at raising awareness and encouraging early detection of retinal conditions, the screening was open to the UKDW academic community and supported by cutting-edge technology.
The screening utilized the Airdoc Retina AI Screener, an artificial intelligence-based diagnostic tool designed to detect early signs of chronic diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertension-related eye damage, and other retinal abnormalities. The AI technology allows the device to analyze retinal images and identify potential health risks without the need for an on-site ophthalmologist.
The event was held in collaboration with Kalbe Farma, one of Indonesia’s largest healthcare companies, and Bethesda Hospital, which provided expert consultation during the screening. Following the examination, participants had the opportunity to discuss their results with Dr. Edy Wibowo, Sp.M(K)., MPH, a consultant ophthalmologist from Bethesda Hospital.
“The Airdoc Retina AI Screener captures an image of the patient’s retina, which is then processed by AI to provide a preliminary diagnosis,” explained Dr. Edy. “This kind of innovation streamlines the screening process and makes it more accessible, especially in areas with limited access to specialist care.”
Kalbe Farma is currently prioritizing retinal health as part of its broader healthcare initiatives, recognizing that retinal diseases rank as the second most common eye condition in Indonesia after cataracts. Through this partnership with Bethesda Hospital and UKDW, the company aims to provide free retina screenings and raise public awareness of the importance of early eye health monitoring.
According to Dito, a Kalbe Farma representative, the AI device has been developed to closely match the diagnostic accuracy of medical professionals—reportedly achieving up to 95% alignment with ophthalmologists’ assessments.
“The screening identifies whether the retina is healthy, at risk, or already showing signs of disease,” he said. “Dr. Edy then interprets the AI results and provides recommendations based on each individual’s condition.”
Participants came from a variety of backgrounds, including those experiencing eye discomfort, individuals with a history of medication that may affect vision, and those simply seeking a preventative check-up. Many noted the screening process was a new and informative experience. The added benefit of free examinations and consultations significantly boosted participation and helped the program meet its outreach goals.
The integration of AI-based tools in healthcare, such as this retina screening device, represents a major step forward for medical technology in Indonesia. By adopting such innovations, healthcare services can become more efficient, accurate, and accessible to broader segments of the population. [agnes/trans.drr]