In 2020, IRIS was selected as a recipient of the Microsoft AI for Health Initiative grant. This collaboration provides IRIS with access to advanced AI tools and Azure computing resources, further enhancing their diagnostic solutions. Deep learning has presented significant opportunities for the automated detection of retinal diseases, including DR. This approach allows for rapid and accurate detection of potential diseases, often within seconds, and facilitating immediate follow-up and treatment decisions. Research suggests that retinal screening using digital photography and telemedicine can lead to early detection, potentially preventing over 90% of DR cases.
The IRIS software allows healthcare providers at various levels of training to conduct retinal scans and return a diagnosis quickly. After capturing the images, they are securely uploaded to the IRIS platform, enhanced for clarity, and reviewed remotely by a licensed eyecare professional at the IRIS Reading Center. Diagnosis results, including images and reports, are then added to the patient’s health record, enabling referrals to specialists if needed.
Advancements in telemedicine now enable remote consultations, offering care without the need to visit an eye doctor in person. This is notable given that there are approximately 200,000 ophthalmologists worldwide, and roughly 20,000 currently practicing in the United States, with some states lacking any. IRIS software is part of that solution by creating a new model where skilled health workers can travel to a person’s home to capture the retinal scans and submit them for a timely diagnosis, reducing the strain on patients to make special trips to the closest doctor. Consequently, nearly 30 million individuals in the United States with diabetes may receive more timely diagnosis and treatment.
In West Virginia, a small community hospital achieved notable success by integrating IRIS technology. Within 13 months, they conducted over 1,500 exams, detecting diabetic retinopathy in 16.17% of patients and other eye conditions in 24.4%. This program improved patient outcomes and satisfaction by making screenings more accessible and convenient, significantly impacting patients.
