The Northern Ophthalmic Research and Innovation (NORI) hub at Sunderland University has secured £12.2m from the government to develop artificial intelligence that analyses routine eye scans for early signs of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, BBC reported.
The funding, channelled through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will support technology that examines the tiny blood vessels and nerve tissue at the back of the eye alongside NHS health records and community data, identifying subtle changes that may signal disease before symptoms appear.
Science minister Chris McDonald, who visited NORI on Thursday, said: “Earlier diagnosis means better outcomes for patients and less pressure on our NHS, and technology has a vital role to play.”
Technology Could Expand to Dementia and Stroke Detection
The tool will begin with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but the approach might later extend to dementia and strokes. Matthew Campbell, interim pro vice-chancellor for health and co-director of NORI, said the funding would allow the team to advance the technology and launch it in international markets.
“This investment creates a new health innovation ecosystem for the North East,” Campbell said. “We now have the scale to develop technologies, test them in real-world healthcare settings and take them into national and international markets.”
One of Five New UKRI-Backed Healthcare Hubs
NORI is one of five new UKRI-backed healthcare hubs using technology to diagnose illnesses. The other hubs are located in Exeter, Southampton and London, all focusing on developing high tech tools.