The Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Imaging: Accelerating Global Innovation and Clinical Utility

The Development and Clinical Application of Innovative Optical Ophthalmic Imaging Techniques

The field of ophthalmic imaging has grown substantially over the last years. Massive improvements in image processing and computer hardware have allowed the emergence of multiple imaging techniques of the eye that can transform patient care. The purpose of this review is to describe the most recent advances in eye imaging and explain how new technologies and imaging methods can be utilized in a clinical setting. The introduction of optical coherence tomography (OCT) was a revolution in eye imaging and has since become the standard of care for a plethora of conditions. Its most recent iterations, OCT angiography, and visible light OCT, as well as imaging modalities, such as fluorescent lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy, would allow a more thorough evaluation of patients and provide additional information on disease processes. Toward that goal, the application of adaptive optics (AO) and full-field scanning to a variety of eye imaging techniques has further allowed the histologic study of single cells in the retina and anterior segment. Toward the goal of remote eye care and more accessible eye imaging, methods such as handheld OCT devices and imaging through smartphones, have emerged. Finally, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in eye images has the potential to become a new milestone for eye imaging while also contributing in social aspects of eye care.

A Case for The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Glaucoma Assessment

We hypothesize that artificial intelligence applied to relevant clinical testing in glaucoma has the potential to enhance the ability to detect glaucoma. This premise was discussed at the recent Collaborative Community for Ophthalmic Imaging meeting, "The Future of Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Ophthalmic Image Interpretation: Accelerating Innovation and Implementation Pathways," held virtually September 3-4, 2020. The Collaborative Community in Ophthalmic Imaging (CCOI) is an independent self-governing consortium of stakeholders with broad international representation from academic institutions, government agencies, and the private sector whose mission is to act as a forum for the purpose of helping speed innovation in healthcare technology. It was one of the first two such organizations officially designated by the FDA in September 2019 in response to their announcement of the collaborative community program as a strategic priority for 2018-2020. Further information on the CCOI can be found online at their website (https://www.cc-oi.org/about). Artificial intelligence for glaucoma diagnosis would have high utility globally, as access to care is limited in many parts of the world and half of all people with glaucoma are unaware of their illness. The application of artificial intelligence technology to glaucoma diagnosis has the potential to broadly increase access to care worldwide, in essence flattening the Earth by providing expert level evaluation to individuals even in the most remote regions of the planet.