ITV news covers medical AI advances at Moorfields Eye Hospital

ITV News has reported on how medical Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools being developed at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University College London’s Institute of Ophthalmology could lead to improved care for patients. Broadcast on 10th July as part of ITV’s investigation of 'AI for good', the segment showcased some of the world-leading AI work enabled by the INSIGHT Health Data Research Hub at Moorfields.

Reporter Kevin Ashford interviewed ophthalmic surgeon Shafi Balal to find out how AI, trained on INSIGHT's large-scale datasets of eye images linked to medical records, is expanding clinical understanding of eye disease, as well as systemic conditions such as heart disease.

Shafi demonstrated to Kevin how a non-invasive, high-resolution Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) image of the eye can be taken in a matter of seconds, providing a minutely detailed view of the blood vessels and other features of the retina. Shafi explained how the widespread use of OCT images, combined with the power of data science, has led to the development of Oculomics — using ocular biomarkers to detect systemic disease.

During filming with ITV News at Moorfields Eye Hospital: Ophthalmic surgeon Shafi Balal takes a retinal image of reporter Kevin Ashford using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Using data curated by INSIGHT for the front of the eye (the anterior segment), Shafi is developing an AI system for more precise monitoring of keratoconus, which affects mostly working age people and can lead to vision loss with the need for a corneal implant. The objective is to cut waiting times for specialist appointments and reduce burden on both patients and the NHS.

Kevin also spoke with consultant ophthalmologist Josef Huemer on the power of AI to support clinicians in enabling quick analysis and earlier detection of many conditions. Josef is currently exploring how AI could transform detection of atrial fibrillation, one of the major causes of stroke.

Watch the coverage below, courtesy of ITV News. [Moorfields Eye Hospital segment starts around 1 minute, 42 seconds].