In the United States, pharmacists will soon be able to conduct fully autonomous screening for diabetic retinopathy using a device driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
Ford Medical will distribute the AI-driven technology, called AEYE-DS to US pharmacies and non-acute centres. The technology works with compatible retinal cameras to detect more than mild diabetic retinopathy (DR).
In a joint media release, Ford Medical and AEYE Health said the AEYE-DS enables point-of-care screening for patients who may not regularly see an eye specialist – enhancing care outreach, expanding pharmacy services, and creating new revenue opportunities.
AEYE-DS is the first and only AI solution compatible with a portable camera that has been cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The device would enable pharmacies and non-acute centres to offer an “in-house, non-invasive eye exam that delivers immediate diagnostic results without the need for a specialist”, the companies said.
Reference
- AEYE Health and Ford Medical, AEYE Health and Ford Medical partner to bring fully autonomous, reimbursable AI diabetic eye exam screening solutions to pharmacies (media release, July 2025) available at: prnewswire.com/news-releases/aeye-health-and-ford-medical-partner-to-bring-fully-autonomous-reimbursable-ai-diabetic-eye-exam-screening-solutions-to-pharmacies-302505909.html [accessed August 2025].
