“We co-produced a survey with patients who have a lived experience of genetic testing for inherited retinal disease. The survey results demonstrated that the pathway of people affected by inherited retinal disease in the UK is highly variable. This means that patients can experience very different diagnostic journeys depending on the healthcare provisions available locally to them, a phenomenon colloquially known as “postcode lottery”.
Incorporating AI techniques, such as Eye2Gene, that are capable of assessing retinal images for features of inherited retinal disease can help streamline the diagnostic process, support clinical decision-making and improve patient access to relevant expertise whether they may be, thus standardising healthcare delivery. Patients who responded to our survey had a positive attitude towards AI, a clear majority of 90% were receptive to its incorporation into the diagnostic testing of IRDs, especially if it assists the clinician in reaching the correct diagnosis quicker.”
Dr Dayyanah Sumodhee, health psychologist and senior research fellow at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
Sumodhee is currently conducting a prospective pilot of the Eye2GeneTM AI in Moorfields clinics, supported by Sight Research UK. A positive evaluation of this pilot would mean that the tool can be deployed throughout the UK, to be used in primary and non-specialist care. With this innovation, patients can access specialist care regardless of proximity to a specialist centre.