Virtual participation: Zoom details available here
Speaker: Dr Brian Woods, University of Galway & Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
Title: "Automated Retinal Examination as a New Frontier for Systemic Health Assessment "
Abstract: The eye, as an extension of the central nervous system, provides a unique window into systemic health as it is the only area in the body where we can visualise neurons. Automated retinal examination, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced imaging technologies, is emerging as a transformative tool for early detection and monitoring of a wide range of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. This approach leverages high-resolution retinal imaging and deep learning algorithms to identify subtle vascular and structural changes linked to broader health risks. Recent advancements in AI-driven retinal analysis have demonstrated promising accuracy in detecting conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and even early cognitive decline, offering a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative to traditional diagnostic methods.
In this talk I will explore the potential of automated retinal examination as a predictive and preventive healthcare tool, and explore how we might go about integrating retinal analytics into routine medical practice. By bridging ophthalmology and systemic health, this emerging field paves the way for data-driven healthcare solutions that can enhance early disease detection and allow for more personalised treatment strategies.
Biography: Dr Brian Woods is an Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) Fellow and Higher Surgical Trainee on the National Training Programme in Ophthalmology. Brian’s research interest lies at the interface between ophthalmology and engineering. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2016 with an intercalated MSc in Biomedical Engineering and holds an MSc in Artificial Intelligence through the Irish Centre for High-End Computing and the University of Limerick. As an ICAT fellow, Brian is utilising structural ophthalmic data to predict functional outcomes and prognosis in diseases of the optic nerve and brain through the utilisation of machine learning methods. He is completing his PhD under the supervision of Dr Aaron Golden from the University of Galway and Prof Mark Kupersmith from Mount Sinai Hospital, New York.