Routine eye examinations in the UK could soon become an important tool for identifying serious health conditions, with researchers developing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect early warning signs of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
According to a BBC report, the Northern Ophthalmic Research and Innovation (NORI) hub at the University of Sunderland has secured £12.2 million in government funding through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to develop the technology and accelerate its use in healthcare.
The project will examine the tiny blood vessels and nerve tissues located at the back of the eye, which can provide valuable information about a person’s overall health. Researchers plan to use AI to study routine eye scans alongside NHS medical records and community health data to identify subtle changes that could indicate disease before noticeable symptoms develop.
Initially, the technology will concentrate on detecting diabetes and heart-related conditions. Researchers believe the same approach could eventually be adapted to identify other neurological conditions, including dementia and strokes.
Matthew Campbell, interim pro vice-chancellor for health and co-director of NORI, said the funding would enable the team to develop the technology, evaluate it in real-world healthcare environments and explore opportunities for wider adoption in national and international markets.
UK Science Minister Chris McDonald, who visited the research hub on Thursday, said earlier diagnosis could improve patient outcomes while reducing the pressure on the National Health Service (NHS).
NORI is among five healthcare innovation hubs receiving UKRI support to advance technology-driven disease detection. Other centres are based in Exeter, Southampton and London.
The initiative aims to strengthen early diagnosis and make healthcare interventions possible before conditions become more severe.
