AI to help eye tests detect diabetes
What happened
The Northern Ophthalmic Research and Innovation hub at Sunderland University has been awarded £12.2 million by UK Research and Innovation to create AI tools that examine eye scans for early indicators of diabetes and heart disease. The project will use artificial intelligence to review images from routine eye tests, aiming to identify health issues before symptoms appear. The initial focus is on diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, with plans to possibly include other diseases such as dementia and strokes in the future. The funding is part of a broader initiative supporting five healthcare technology hubs across the UK.
Key details
- £12.2 million in funding provided by UK Research and Innovation
- Project based at Sunderland University's Northern Ophthalmic Research and Innovation hub
- AI will analyze blood vessels and nerve tissue in eye scans
- Other UK hubs are located in Exeter, Southampton, and London
- Technology may later be applied to dementia and stroke detection
Why it matters
Patients in the UK could receive earlier diagnoses for diabetes and heart disease, which may lead to faster access to treatment and improved health outcomes. Healthcare providers, including the NHS, may benefit from reduced strain as diseases are identified and managed sooner. The project also positions Sunderland and the North East as a center for health technology development, with potential for national and international adoption.