At the forefront of biomedical innovation, experts in ophthalmology, AI research, and biomedical engineering are collaborating to redefine how we understand, diagnose, and treat visual impairment. In a roundtable hosted by Dr. Yvonne Ou of UCSF, leading minds discussed groundbreaking developments in oculomics, genomic diagnostics, and visual prostheses, with each speaker offering a glimpse into a future where technology bridges gaps in health care access and outcomes.

The Eye as a Window: Oculomics and Systemic Health

Dr. Yun Liu of Google Research introduced the emerging field of oculomics, which leverages advanced AI to interpret retinal images for signs of systemic disease. Traditionally used to identify diabetic retinopathy, these retinal scans are now being reimagined to detect conditions such as:

• Anemia,  
• Kidney disease, and 
• Cardiovascular issues. 

By training neural networks on large datasets, Dr. Liu’s team has already screened over 600,000 patients in India for diabetic eye disease, demonstrating real-world impact.

The power of modern AI—especially what’s known as deep learning—has enabled a shift from brittle, hand-coded image analysis to robust, scalable models. “With modern AI algorithms… we’re able to learn better and better models that can predict things that are useful for caring for patients,” said Liu. He emphasized the benefits of non-invasive, opportunistic screenings during routine eye exams, where simple photographs can yield early warnings for otherwise hidden diseases.

Genomic Advances in Rare Eye Diseases

Dr. Matthew Benson, clinician-scientist from the University of Alberta, discussed the diagnostic evolution made possible through genomic research. Formerly, conditions like retinitis pigmentosa were diagnosed broadly, but new technologies have revealed over 80 genetic subtypes. “We are now able to provide very accurate diagnoses for patients,” Dr. Benson said, noting this is critical for guiding both care and clinical trial eligibility.

His lab’s translational approach models retinal diseases using stem cells derived from patient skin samples—an innovative method that sidesteps the need for invasive biopsies. While challenges surrounding data privacy and patient consent persist, Dr. Benson praised the robust ethical frameworks that protect participants. 

Patient registries and advocacy groups, he noted, are vital tools for keeping patients informed and involved in shaping research agendas, echoing a growing emphasis on “knowledge users” in grant applications.

Engineering Vision: The Rise of Neural Prostheses

Dr. Philip Troyk of the Illinois Institute of Technology shared the remarkable advances in neural prosthetics—devices that deliver artificial visual signals directly to the brain. His team has implanted wireless microelectrode arrays into the occipital lobe of blind participants, allowing them to perceive “spots of light” interpreted as visual input. 

“We’re relying upon the immense sophistication of the brain to make sense out of very limited information,” he said, describing the effort as the neurological equivalent of booting Windows by tossing wires into a PC.

What distinguishes their device is its fully wireless design, offering a long-term, user-informed platform for exploring visual perception. Dr. Troyk emphasized the importance of patient collaborators in research, asserting, “We hate the words ‘human subjects’… they’re part of our research team.” 

As with cochlear implants before them, these early-stage breakthroughs hint at a future where sensory deficits may be overcome through ingenuity and empathy alike.

*Prevent Blindness. (2025, May 16). 2025 Focus on Eye Health Summit: The Future of Diagnosis and Treatment in Eye Care [Video file]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YyeSg_MwVM 

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