8 Apr 2021

Developing AI technology to screen for visual impairment

From Nine To Noon, 9:30 am on 8 April 2021

An Auckland ophthalmologist is leading the charge to save the eyesight of New Zealand diabetes patients through the development of AI technology.

Dr David Squirrell and his team at Toku Eyes have developed artificial intelligence software to help screen for diabetic retinopathy and prevent visual impairment and irreversible sight loss.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults, but 40 percent of diabetic patients in New Zealand are still not being screened for diabetic retinopathy.

Toku Eyes hopes to encourage more people to get screened by making the process faster, more accessible, and even more accurate.

Kathryn Ryan speaks with Dr David Squirrell, chair of the Northern Region Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Governance Committee. 

Close-up on male green wide open eye.

Photo: 123RF