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Feasibility study of AI-powered Medical triage app to improve eye services in Rwanda
- Lisanne and Thomas.
- Rwanda
- February 1, 2026
Situation
With only 16 ophthalmologists and 140 Ophthalmic Clinical Officers serving Rwanda’s 12.3 million people, severe workforce shortages hinder early detection of eye conditions. Late diagnoses lead to higher treatment costs and unnecessary emergencies. Dem Dx, backed by the Global Challenges Research Fund, sought to assess whether its AI-powered clinical reasoning tool could strengthen frontline triage and teaching in this resource-constrained setting.
Assignment
Proportion was asked to study the feasibility of contextualising the Dem Dx platform for Rwanda and explore its business case within the national health system.
Approach
Work began with research scoping, health-system mapping and business-plan framing. Field sessions in Kigali and rural areas engaged the Ministry of Health, local governments, clinics, ophthalmology students and patients. Insights were synthesised collaboratively, informing design, product and business recommendations.
Result
Findings confirmed strong potential for improving teaching quality, guideline adherence and frontline triage. Recommendations included offline functionality, multilingual support, mobile-first usability, extended clinical pathways, treatment guidance and enhanced continuous-learning materials—positioning Dem Dx as a valuable tool for Rwanda’s primary eye care ambitions.