AI screening helps more people with diabetes access sight-saving eye care
People receiving AI-supported screening for diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness globally, were almost twice as likely to attend specialist follow-up appointments as those receiving standard screening, according to new research from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
A new study from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) reveals that AI-supported screening for diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of blindness, boosts attendance at specialist follow-up appointments compared to traditional screening methods. The trial, conducted at 24 hospitals in Tanzania with 2,378 participants, found that those who underwent AI-supported screening were 35.9% more likely to visit a specialist clinic within eight weeks if they required referral, compared to 18.2% for the standard screening group.
Furthermore, patients who received AI-supported screening attended specialist care an average of 10.9 days after the screening, as opposed to 36.9 days for those in the standard group. This accelerated access to specialist care can be attributed to AI-supported screening, which provides patients with immediate results and the opportunity for immediate face-to-face counseling, rather than relying on slower, week-long phone-based results and counseling.
Dr. Charles Cleland, an ophthalmologist at LSHTM, explained that AI-enabled screening in Tanzania allowed patients to receive results and counseling right at the screening point, enabling them to ask questions, understand their treatment options, and feel supported in their care. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, often goes unnoticed in its early stages and can lead to irreversible blindness if left untreated.
The condition is projected to affect 44-82 million people worldwide by 2045, with limited access to screening and specialist care in many African countries. By integrating AI into screening programs, health workers may have more time to provide personalized support to patients, particularly in resource-limited settings. However, the study's authors emphasize that expanding screening capabilities must be paired with increased access to specialist clinics and treatments to prevent vision loss associated with diabetes.
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