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This audio programme is in three parts, each discussing an area where technology can be used to improve optometric services to the public now and in the future.

  • AI and telemedicine in diabetic retinopathy screening: Dr Jorge Cuadros, an international expert on the use of AI in diabetic retinopathy, discusses the role of AI and telemedicine in the detection and grading of this sight threatening disease.  
  • Amyloid detection in screening for Alzheimer’s disease: Ms Anne Marie Cairns from Optos plc describes the latest research endeavours into early detection of Alzheimer's disease and discusses the potential role of ultra-widefield imaging in screening for the disease in the primary care environment.
  • The OrCam, the Oxsight and beyond: Dr Michael Crossland gives an informative update on recently available complex low vision aids and discusses the use of smart phone apps which have been designed to help the visually impaired carry out routine and specific tasks.

Last published: August 2020

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    • 1.2.5 To understand how Artificial Intelligence and telemedicine enhance communication between optometrists and other healthcare professionals involved in treating patients with diabetic retinopathy.

    • 3.1.3 To understand the use of AI and fundus imaging to accurately and consistently grade diabetic retinopathy thus ensuring appropriate referral for treatment.

    • 3.1.3 To understand the use the of wide field fundus imaging in the detection of biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease.

    • 6.1.1 To understand the association between the level of amyloid in the retina and Alzheimer’s disease.

    • 4.2.1 To be able to advise patients about easily available technology solutions that will help patients with visual impairment carry out specific tasks.

    • 4.2.2 To understand the use of complex low vision aids OrCam and OrSight in assisting patients with visual impairment to carry out their daily tasks.
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      Dr Jorge Cuadros

      Diabetic retinopathy is emerging as a leading cause of preventable blindness globally. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning is set to revolutionise the way clinicians gather and analyse clinical data. One of the recent trends has been the increasing use of portable systems to gather and transmit clinical data. In this interview we speak to Dr Jorge Cuadros, Santa Cruz based optometrist and co-founder of EyePACS, to find out more about the web-based application that allows for remote diagnosis of patients by off-site optometrists.

      • References

      • Bhaskaranand M, Ramachandra C, Bhat S, et al (2016) Automated Diabetic Retinopathy Screening and Monitoring Using Retinal Fundus Image Analysis. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 10(2) pp 254–261

        Bhaskaranand M, Ramachandra C, Bhat S, et al (2019) The Value of Automated Diabetic Retinopathy Screening with the EyeArt System: A Study of More Than 100,000 Consecutive Encounters from People with Diabetes. Diabetes Technol Ther. 21 (11) pp 635–643

        Gulshan V, Peng L, Coram M, et al (2016) Development and Validation of a Deep Learning Algorithm for Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy in Retinal Fundus Photographs. JAMA. 316(22) pp 2402–2410

        Litvin T, Bresnick G, Cuadros J, et al (2017) A Revised Approach for the Detection of Sight-Threatening Diabetic Macular Edema. JAMA Ophthalmol. 135(1) pp 62–68

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      Anne Marie Cairns

      Last year, it was announced that Optos were teaming up with the company Amydis in developing retinal screening for Alzheimer’s disease. Amydis have developed a technique that allows the visualisation of amyloid build up in the retina. Amyloid is a useful biomarker which is found in increasing amounts as the disease progresses. In this interview, we speak to Anne Marie Cairns to find out more about the technique and the possible future role that optometrists might have in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

      • References

      • Csincsik L, MacGillivray T, Flynn E, et al (2018) Peripheral Retinal Imaging Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease: A Pilot Study. Ophthalmic Res. 59(4) pp 182–192
         

        Koychev I, Lawson J, Chessell T, et al (2019) Deep and Frequent Phenotyping study protocol: an observational study in prodromal Alzheimer's disease. BMJ Open.

        Lengyel I, Csutak A, Florea D, et al (2015) A Population-Based Ultra-Widefield Digital Image Grading Study for Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Like Lesions at the Peripheral Retina. Ophthalmology. 122(7) pp 1340–1347

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      Dr Michael Crossland

      Electronic devices and adapted software are increasingly being sought out by patients with visual impairment. It is becoming more important that optometrists have a good understanding of the technology available so that the best advice is given. To understand the emerging technologies, Dr Michael Crossland explains how the OrCam and the OxSight devices can be used to help visually impaired individuals in their everyday lives. The programme finishes with an overview of how various applications can be accessed and used on mobile phones and tablets to create convenient low vision aids for a multitude of daily tasks and activities.

      • References

      • Crossland M, Silva R, Macedo A (2014) Smartphone, tablet computer and e-reader use by people with vision impairment.  Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 34(5) pp 552-7

        Deemer A, Bradley C, Ross N, Natale D, et al (2018) Low Vision Enhancement with Head-mounted Video Display Systems: Are We There Yet? Optom Vis Sci. 95(9) pp 694-703

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      • DOCET would like to thank the following for their contribution to this programme:

        • Dr Jorge Cuadros, CEO, EyePACS and Director of Informatics Research, University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry
        • Anne Marie Cairns, Chief Clinical Officer, Optos
        • Dr Michael Crossland, Specialist Optometrist at Moorfields Eye Hospital

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