Sassari: Free Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Results Revealed – Feb 13 Event

Sassari: Free Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Results Revealed – Feb 13 Event

February 12, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

Sassari, Italy, is set to host an event on Friday, February 13th, at 11:00 AM at Via Quarto n. 3, marking the conclusion of the “Verso una Sardegna sana” (Towards a Healthy Sardinia) project. The initiative, spearheaded by the Sassari section of the Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired (UICI), aims to address a critical public health need through preventative screening.

Early Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy

A Collaborative Effort

The project, which ran from May 31st to December 16th, was funded by the Fondazione di Sardegna and implemented in partnership with Diabete Zero, Le Ragazze Terribili, and Angedras Eventi. It focused on providing free eye screenings to residents of 11 municipalities in Northern Sardinia, specifically chosen due to their relative distance from major hospital facilities.

Did You Know? Approximately 400 citizens received free, in-depth eye exams thanks to the use of advanced technology during this campaign.

These screenings utilized the Fundus Camera Aurora, a cutting-edge device equipped with Artificial Intelligence, to facilitate the early detection of diabetic retinopathy – a leading cause of blindness.

Presenting the Findings

Dr. Laura Giorico, the regional coordinator for IAPB – Fondazione Italia and project lead, will present the project’s details. She will be joined by Dr. Maria Bonaria Mura, an orthoptist. The initiative is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about diabetes, a condition with particularly high incidence rates in the Sardinia region.

High-Level Participation and Future Outlook

The event is expected to draw significant participation from leaders within the UICI, including representatives from the national direction and regional presidency. Giorgio Ricci, a national representative of Iapb, will also be in attendance. The medical and institutional components will include representatives from the university hospital, the regional health authority (Asl), and Dr. Carla Fundoni, president of the regional health commission, alongside numerous mayors and regional councilors.

Expert Insight: This project highlights the crucial role of targeted, community-based screening programs in addressing preventable vision loss, particularly in areas with limited access to specialized care. The use of AI-enhanced technology suggests a move towards more efficient and accessible diagnostic tools.

Francesco Santoro, president of the Sassari UICI section, expressed gratitude to the local mayors for their support, noting the high demand for preventative care demonstrated by the project. The UICI of Sassari consistently works to support vulnerable populations through its mobile ophthalmological unit and social eye centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary goal of the “Verso una Sardegna sana” project?

The primary goal was the prevention of diabetic retinopathy through free eye screenings for residents of 11 Northern Sardinia municipalities.

What technology was used during the screenings?

The Fundus Camera Aurora, a device equipped with Artificial Intelligence, was used to conduct the eye exams.

Who funded the project?

The project was funded by the Fondazione di Sardegna.

Given the demonstrated need for preventative healthcare in this region, what further steps could be taken to ensure continued access to vital screenings?