Artificial Intelligence will help vision impaired Danes
Department of Ophthalmology – Rigshospitalet, Glostrup and Enversion Consultancy
Yes. The purpose of the “aEye-algorithm” is to help prevent blindness. The number of patients diagnosed with the eye disorder AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) is rapidly increasing in the Western world. In Denmark alone the estimate is an increase of 40% by 2030. An early preventive intervention will make it possible to treat the patient in time. And time is precisely the critical point. The patient’s time. The clinician’s time. The project aims to give time back to the patient and to the clinicians while securing the patient a continued good vision throughout life. Today, the so-called AMD patients must go to specialized eye clinics for their monthly control and treatment. This implies travel time for the patient. For the highly specialized clinicians it implies a considerable amount of time spent on simple controls. But it does not have to be this way. Imagine being able to help prevent blindness through timely diagnosis and early intervention. Imagine being able to relieve highly specialized clinicians from a heavy workload with an algorithm used as a decision support tool.
With the aEye algorithm we have developed an algorithm based on data from the Department of Ophthalmology – Rigshospitalet, Glostrup. An algorithm that in the scans of the eye can identify fluid in the retina requiring treatment. Implemented successfully, it will open up for the algorithm being used as a decision support tool in the earliest possible stage of the patient’s journey. Potentially, it will lead to increased capacity, freeing up of staff for the handling of more patients and reduced patient wait times. This can turn out to be critical to the clinic in order to continue to be able to perform timely interventions despite demographic and economic challenges in future.
“In the Capital Region of Denmark, we have chosen to prioritize the development of artificial intelligence because we believe in the potential of this area. We have an enormous amount of healthcare data in Denmark. In fact, some of the best in the world. Therefore, it makes really good sense to use new technologies to improve the options for treatment for the people who need the healthcare system. I am confident that the public and private sectors in collaboration can find ways to improve care trajectories..."
Chairman of the Research, Innovation and Education Committee in the Capital Region of Denmark, Lars Gaardhøj (S).
“If the algorithm works well, the ambition is to use it locally and have less patients go to the hospital for examination – instead the examination will take place closer to the patient’s home.”
says Ivan Potapenko, Senior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology – Rigshospitalet, Glostrup.
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is a crucial tool used in the management of AMD disease. OCT is a fast and non-invasive imaging technology capable of visualizing the layers of the back of the eye which gives the ophthalmologist the ability to distinguish between eyes in which
there is currently no need for treatment, but a continued need for control
there is a need for clinical intervention and treatment
further treatment is futile
With an algorithm based on historical data sets it is possible to act here and now. And with an algorithm used as a decision support tool it is even possible for other professionals, e.g. optometrists, to perform the examination. The patient does not need to travel far to have the first scanning done and likewise the clinician does not need to spend time or effort on this task freeing up time for other tasks.
“It is a win-win for everyone and crucial that man and machines work together in finding the best possible treatment for the patient. It is the cornerstone of this project and one of the reasons why I am particularly proud of being part of it.”
says Mads Kristensen, Data Scientist at Enversion.
It is estimated that in Denmark we will see an increase of 40% of AMD patients by 2030. It means an increased pressure on the healthcare sector and long patient wait times. The AMD project is the largest of its kind worldwide based on the number of patients.
And the first results are promising. They are based on an analysis of 270,000 scans collected over the last ten years. Based on 15,000 historical control examinations we now we see a clear indication that the algorithm works. Exactly as we hoped. It can already replicate the clinician’s decision with a high degree of accuracy.
“The ambition is that the project will be used in real-life and as a matter of fact make a difference to the clinician as well as to the patient. This is what drives us. We get out of our engine room and into everyday life where we in collaboration with the clinician can make a difference to the patient. This is exactly what we dream of!”
says Jacob Høy Berthelsen, founder and CEO at Enversion.
The 20,000 control examinations that are performed every year at the Department of Ophthalmology – Rigshospitalet, Glostrup already require a considerable amount of medical staff. The years to come will show a significant challenge in dealing with the increasing number of patients. And for this reason, the project is of critical importance to everyone concerned. Everything to save time. To give time. To see.
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