The Mount Sinai Health System has announced what it describes as a “first-of-its-kind initiative” with the launch of its Center for Ophthalmic Artificial Intelligence and Human Health in New York.
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai said the centre aims to transform patient care with more timely diagnosis of eye disease and innovative risk assessment of systemic health conditions through artificial intelligence (AI).
In a news release, the Icahn Mount Sinai said the new centre would advance clinical innovation in AI-based diagnostic care in ophthalmology and population-based medical care, while advancing the understanding of cardiovascular and neurological conditions that impact patient wellbeing.
Mount Sinai will lead the way in incorporating AI into trainee and physician education, research, and the clinical setting for rapid diagnosis of eye diseases and conditions
“Mount Sinai will lead the way in incorporating AI into trainee and physician education, research, and the clinical setting for rapid diagnosis of eye diseases and conditions including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, hypertensive retinopathy, systemic conditions, and retinal tumours,” a Mount Sinai news release said.
“Early detection and intervention can prevent vision loss and may also prevent heart attack and stroke since several eye conditions are linked to cardiovascular and neurological issues.”
Three Target Areas
This centre will research and implement validated AI models across three initial areas: Mount Sinai’s tele-retina program, ophthalmology tele-consult program, and eye stroke service.
In the tele-retina program, primary care physicians use high-quality portable digital cameras to capture retinal images during annual patient exams. Images are then uploaded to a secure technology platform, where retinal specialists access them and provide timely diagnoses. The implementation of validated AI software for these retinal images in the coming years could provide onsite interpretations of these scans, appropriate immediate patient referrals, and risk calculations for heart disease and stroke, the news release said.
Mount Sinai’s tele-ophthalmology consult pilot program provides diagnosis and triage of patients with eye emergencies by using sophisticated telemedicine platforms without relying on in-person consultations from ophthalmologists. With breakthroughs in AI technology, patients could gain a more rapid diagnosis with expedited treatment.
AI will also transform and expand Mount Sinai’s Eye Stroke Service to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of patients who present with central retinal artery occlusion.
Dr Thomas J. Fuchs, Dean of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health at Icahn Mount Sinai said AI is “revolutionising” society and the delivery of health care.
“Ophthalmology is at the forefront of this change since the image domain lends itself exceptionally well to modern deep learning-based AI. At Mount Sinai, we can realise the vision of an AI-driven ophthalmology that will drastically improve care for nearly every patient visiting our hospitals,” Dr Fuchs said.
