Technology in collaboration with Addenbrooke's Hospital unveils artificial intelligence advancement for inspecting newborns' eyes
The Neocam ophthalmic imaging device, a joint venture between 42 Technology (42T) and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), is currently undergoing a multi-centre clinical trial to evaluate its effectiveness in newborn eye screenings. The final study outcomes are not expected until 2027, but early findings indicate that the device has shown promise in diagnosing rare but significant visual conditions that were previously missed by standard screening tests.
The AI-powered Neocam device is being trained using 46,000 de-identified images from the DIvO study, a research project aimed at determining whether Neocam's digital imaging technology can improve the detection of congenital cataracts compared to the traditional ophthalmoscope test.
42T was appointed in 2018 to support the development of the Neocam prototype, from initial design to clinical trials, and played a key role in developing the industrial design, user interface, system architecture, optics, and electronics. The AI development project, on the other hand, is being funded jointly by 42T and an unspecified source, with an innovation grant from Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust (ACT) also contributing.
The AI development project is not part of the clinical trial involving 30 NHS maternity units across England, but it is a significant component of the Neocam device's development. The aim is to integrate the new edge AI algorithms into the first commercially-available eye screening units so the device can analyse images using its existing processing capability.
The new AI feature will enable the Neocam device to immediately assess the quality of images as they are taken, providing instant feedback to maternity staff. This could potentially lead to improved accuracy in diagnosing eye conditions, increased efficiency in screenings, and reduced reliance on human expertise in initial assessments.
If successful, the AI-powered Neocam device could pave the way for widespread adoption of AI in newborn screenings, potentially leading to better health outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery. The project is not limited to improving the detection of congenital cataracts, but also aims to address threatened miscarriage.
The government's commitment to life sciences as a means for economic growth, as mentioned in "Insights", aligns with the potential impact of this project. The AI development project has secured £1 million in funding, demonstrating the significant investment in this innovative technology.
As the clinical trial progresses, we eagerly await the final outcomes and the potential benefits this AI-powered device could bring to newborn eye screenings and beyond.
The Neocam ophthalmic imaging device is currently undergoing a clinical trial for newborn eye screenings, with promising results already observed for rare visual conditions. The development of this device includes a joint AI project funded by 42 Technology and an unspecified source, which aims to integrate new edge AI algorithms for immediate image assessment and potential increases in accuracy, efficiency, and initial assessment reliance. If successful, the AI-powered Neocam device could trailblaze AI adoption in newborn screenings, leading to improved health outcomes. This project has secured £1 million in funding, reflecting the government's focus on life sciences as a driver for economic growth.
