The College has today launched a new free resource sharing and signposting artificial intelligence as medical device (AIaMD) tools being used in ophthalmology.
The online AI directory is an evolving catalogue of AIaMD tools used in research or clinical settings that may be useful for commissioners, clinicians, vendors, researchers and other healthcare professionals.
Professor Alastair Denniston, consultant ophthalmologist and member of the College’s Informatics and Audit subcommittee, said: “The College is the leading voice for innovation in ophthalmology, driving and promoting excellence – and that includes engaging with new technologies such as AI. In fact ophthalmology is a leading speciality within the rapidly advancing field of medical AI, partly because of our extensive use of imaging for detecting and monitoring sight-threatening conditions like diabetic retinopathy but also because of our commitment to innovate and our willingness to embrace new technologies whenever this will improve patient care, for example through faster diagnosis, safer monitoring and more efficient access to treatment.
“Although we are in the early days of using AI technology, it will soon have a wide range of applications in NHS ophthalmology departments that will ultimately improve patient care and experience.”
The AI directory is available on the College website. It will be regularly updated as new tools become available. The College is not receiving any payment from innovators or vendors for listing their products in the directory.