Optos Plc, Unveils the First AI-based Solution for the Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy using optomap^® Ultra-widefield Retinal Imaging

 

April 19, 2022 – Optos Plc, provider of high-resolution ultra-widefield (UWF™) retinal imaging and image-guided Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) devices for eye care professionals, announces the launch of the first CE-marked AI-based solution to automate the detection of more-than-mild diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular odema, both vision-threatening diseases, using optomap ultra-widefield retinal images. 

 

An early adopter, Prof. Tunde Peto, Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at Queen's University Belfast, and a specialist in analysing images of the eye for diabetic eye screening, commented on her work with Optos AI for DR, “Diabetic eye disease-related blindness is still on the rise at 8% per year, representing a very real problem for patients, caregivers, and society at large," She added, "We can really benefit from this innovative technology to enable even more transformative change. Optos AI for DR has the potential to save sight and save healthcare practitioner’s time whilst allowing clinicians to deliver the best clinical care”. 

 

The autonomous machine learning based system was co-developed by Optos Plc, Nikon Corporation, Japan, Verily Life Sciences LLC, and Google LLC to provide rapid automated screening of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular odema. The partnership combines Optos’ ultra-widefield technology and strong commercial presence among eyecare specialists, Nikon's leadership in optical engineering and precision manufacturing, and Verily and Google Health’s expertise in machine learning and AI for healthcare. 

 

Optos retinal imaging and its ability to capture peripheral lesions has been clinically validated. It facilitates early detection, management, and effective treatment of diabetic retinopathy, which is a leading cause of blindness among adults around the world. With Optos AI for DR, healthcare practitioners can improve access to diabetic retinopathy screening whilst quickly and efficiently determining whether diabetic patients should be referred for further evaluation and management. Optos AI for DR demonstrates excellent disease detection performance with sensitivity of over 96% and specificity of over 93%.¹  

 

Prof. Paulo Eduardo Stanga, Director of The Retina Clinic London, remarked, “Ultra-widefield imaging is irreplaceable for the early diagnosis and management of retinal diseases. When screening patients with diabetes, it is essential to image not only the posterior pole, but also the mid and peripheral retina. This is only possible using optomap ultra-widefield imaging. Detecting diabetic retinopathy early allows for the very best care to save vision and the use of less invasive therapies and techniques. The clearance of this AI is fantastic news. This is a significant addition to our diagnostic armamentarium that will dramatically improve patient management.” 

 

Robert Kennedy, CEO Optos, Plc added, “We are delighted to be able to offer this AI solution, the first AI using our world leading optomap, ultra-widefield retinal image. Through many clinical studies, we have established that the early assessment of DR using ultra-widefield imaging is very important for the management of a patient’s visual health. The addition of this automated solution will further help our customers to transform the way their patients are diagnosed and managed.” 

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About Optos 

Optos is the leading retinal imaging company, acquired by Nikon in 2015. It’s core technology, ultra-widefield (UWF™) high-resolution digital images (optomap) capture approximately 82% and 200◦ of the retina, something no other device can do in a single image The most recent innovation from Optos integrates ultra-widefield retinal imaging and image-guided Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This combined device facilitates the early detection, management, and effective treatment of disorders and diseases evidenced in the retina such as retinal detachments and tears, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. More than 1,800 published clinical studies show the long-term value of optomap imaging and OCT in diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient engagement. For more information about Optos, please visit our website. 

 

Enquiries: 

Leslie Amodei, VP, Global Marketing           Tel: +001 508-787-1414 

[1] Performance of a Diabetic Retinopathy Deep Learning Model for Ultra-widefield Imaging, Peto et al, Accepted for presentation at ARVO 2022