World Sight Day 2026: Can your smartphone camera detect cataract? Eye doctor explains

Can a smartphone photograph detect cataracts? On World Sight Day 2026, an ophthalmologist explains how phone-based eye screening works and where its limits lie.

New Delhi: We use smartphones to track steps, monitor sleep, attend virtual consultations and even keep records of our health. With phone cameras becoming increasingly sophisticated, another possibility is attracting attention: could a simple photograph of the eye help spot cataracts? The idea sounds particularly promising for communities where access to an eye specialist may be limited. Imaging with smartphones and teleophthalmology could help to identify people who need further examination without the need for an ophthalmologist to be physically present at each screening.

But on World Sight Day 2026, eye experts have an important caution for anyone tempted to point a phone camera at their eye and attempt a diagnosis at home. A smartphone image may have a role in screening, but an ordinary photograph cannot replace a comprehensive eye examination.

Can smartphones detect cataract?

Speaking exclusively to News9 Digital, Dr Purendra Bhasin, Ophthalmologist, Founder & Director, Ratan Jyoti Netralaya, Gwalior, said smartphones have considerable potential as eye-screening tools, particularly in areas where specialist care is difficult to access.

“Smartphones are becoming increasingly useful in healthcare, and there is........

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