"Computer-Aided Diagnosis provided by Al needs to gain trust from doctors"

In November 2022, The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan’s prominent high-tech research institution, launched Point-of Care AI-DR, the first AI-assisted system integrated into commonly used handheld and desktop fundus cameras in healthcare settings for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) detection. Dr Lee Ya-wen, Technical Manager, ICL, ITRI sheds more light on ITRI’s Point-of-Care AI-DR system, opportunities and challenges of AI-assisted diagnostic systems etc. Edited excerpts:

- Dr Lee Ya-wen

How will ITRI’s Point-of-Care AI-DR system address critical healthcare needs related to diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema? 

Currently, most medical imaging AI-assisted diagnosis systems are used to assist doctors in their respective specialties, such as AI assisting radiologists in X-rays and CT scans, AI aiding pathologists in pathology images, and AI supporting internal medicine doctors in ultrasound images. The purpose of the colour fundus image AI-assisted diagnosis and detection system is not to assist ophthalmologists in diagnosing eye diseases but to provide diabetes care physicians (e.g., those in metabolism and family medicine) with the capability to diagnose retinal diseases. Diabetic patients can have fundus examinations during their regular checkups without the need to be referred to ophthalmology, saving them time and registration fees. This onestop service speeds up the process of fundus examinations, leading to the early detection, early treatment, and the prevention of retinal diseases, which can cause significant burdens on families.

From a business perspective, what opportunities and challenges do you see in the adoption and commercialIn November 2022, The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan’s prominent high-tech research institution, launched Point-of Care AI-DR, the first AI-assisted system integrated into commonly used handheld and desktop fundus cameras in healthcare settings for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) detection. Dr Lee Ya-wen, Technical Manager, ICL, ITRI sheds more light on ITRI’s Point-of-Care AI-DR system, opportunities and challenges of AI-assisted diagnostic systems etc. Edited excerpts:isation of AI-assisted diagnostic systems like Point-of-Care AI-DR in the global healthcare market?