PureHealth subsidiary Daman leverages preventive screening to curb long-term healthcare costs

UAE—The National Insurance Company – Daman, part of PureHealth, is deepening its focus on preventive healthcare as it continues to shift from traditional coverage toward long-term health management.

The insurer is using claims data to better understand emerging health risks, with eye health now identified as one of the most significant and fast-growing areas of concern.

Recent analysis shows that eye-related conditions account for a substantial share of healthcare utilisation.

The data suggests that up to seven in ten people may be living with undiagnosed eye conditions, especially among individuals with diabetes.

During this period, around 99.5% of eye health-related cases are linked to diseases rather than injuries, with cataracts, diabetic eye complications, and dry eye syndrome emerging as the leading contributors.

These findings underline a growing need for early screening, routine monitoring, and timely intervention to reduce avoidable vision loss and long-term complications.

Early detection key to preventing vision loss

Khaled Ateeq Aldhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Daman, said the insurer’s role is evolving beyond coverage to actively supporting healthier lives.

He noted that data-driven insights allow the company to anticipate health risks earlier and guide members toward timely care before conditions become more complex.

He added that this proactive approach helps improve quality of life while also reducing the long-term burden of chronic conditions on patients and the healthcare system.

Strong link between chronic disease and eye health

The insights also reflect global health findings, including those from the World Health Organization, which show that many cases of vision impairment can be prevented or treated if detected early.

This is particularly important for individuals living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes,

where eye complications can progress silently.

Daman’s data further show that adults aged 36 to 65 account for nearly half of all eye-health-related claims.

Within this group, those aged 46 to 50 represent about 9% of total claims, highlighting a critical window for preventive screening and early management.

Abdalqader Alshawi, Acting Chief Health Officer at Daman, emphasized that regular eye examinations remain essential in detecting conditions early.

He explained that timely clinical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of irreversible damage, particularly among patients with underlying health conditions.

Expanding preventive programs and awareness efforts

To translate these insights into action, Daman is expanding its preventive healthcare initiatives through wellbeing programs, disease management support, and public health education campaigns.

The insurer recently hosted a webinar to raise awareness of the early warning signs of eye conditions and reinforce the importance of routine eye examinations.

It is also working to strengthen engagement with healthcare providers and promote screening tools such as retinal imaging, which helps detect early changes before symptoms become severe.

Supporting long-term health outcomes

As part of its broader strategy within the UAE healthcare ecosystem, Daman continues to align its efforts with national priorities that emphasize prevention, early intervention, and chronic disease management.

Through data-led insights and targeted health programs, the insurer is expanding its role in supporting sustainable healthcare outcomes and improving long-term vision health across the population.