The icddr,b has launched artificial intelligence(AI) based technology for the detection of diabetic retinopathy in Bangladesh.
The hospital on Monday installed the modern technology in collaboration with Eyes For All PLC, United Arab Emirates and DIAGNOS Inc, Canada.
The system is called Computer Assisted Retina Analysis (CARA) will come in formal operation today(Tuesday) at its diagnostic centre located in the city's Mohakhali.
CARA is a tele-ophthalmology technology that integrates with existing equipment (hardware and software) and processes at the point of care and comprises: image upload, image enhancement automated pre-screening, grading by a specialist.
CARA is accessible securely over the internet, and is compatible with all recognised image formats and brands of fundus cameras, and is electronic medical record compatible.
It is a cost-effective tool for screening large number of patients, in real time and has been approved by regulatory authorities including Health Canada, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Union and others.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most severe complications of diabetes, which often leads to permanent blindness, if not detected and intervened early.
Co-founder of Eyes For All Zahed Chowdhury said, "The mismatch between existing healthcare infrastructure and demand in the country means that DIAGNOS's proprietary technology will make a tremendous difference to the lives of many people in the country".
Dr Niyaz Ahmed, Senior Director, Laboratory Sciences and Services at icddr,b said, "We live in an exciting times when artificial intelligence is applied to such a wide range of applications including early detection of diabetic retinopathy."
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that there are about 5.9 million people suffering from diabetes in Bangladesh, while another 3.9 million people have undiagnosed diabetes.
The introduction of this new technology will provide fast, accurate and precision based reporting and will help to render diabetic retinopathy screening services to a growing number of people with diabetes.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
