Industry News
Verily and Google Launch Diabetic Eye Disease Screening Tool in India
Verily and Google are applying machine learning to screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME), two of the leading causes of preventable blindness in adults. Since beginning this project more than three years ago, a machine learning algorithm has been developed to power automated screening with the goal of detecting disease earlier and expanding access to screening.
Verily and Google have been conducting a global clinical research program with a focus on India, where studies involving Aravind Eye Hospital and Sankara Nethralaya demonstrated that the algorithm performed on par with general ophthalmologists and retinal specialists assessing the images for disease. These promising research results have led to the first real world clinical use of the algorithm through Verily and Google’s retinal diagnostic program at Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, India this year.
In addition to extensive research, the scientists are assessing the algorithm’s readiness for use by verifying its safety and effectiveness. As part of their broad retinal program, they rigorously tested the technology and completed comprehensive regulatory and quality reviews. Verily has received CE mark for the algorithm, the European Union Directive’s standards for medical devices.
Dr. R. Kim, the chief medical officer and chief of retina services at Aravind Eye Hospital, has seen the impact firsthand and believes machine learning has the potential to help exponentially more people get the screening they need. He says: "Thousands of patients come through the doors of our hospitals and vision centers every day, and we want to provide them with the best possible eye care. By integrating Verily and Google’s retinal diagnostic program into our screening process, we can improve our efficiency, giving physicians like myself more time to work closely with patients on treatment and management of their disease while increasing the volume of screenings we can perform."
