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Dr Sylwia Kolenderska, a Senior Research Investigator in Physics at the University of Canterbury, spearheads a pioneering project to transform the ophthalmology landscape. Her innovative work harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise the accessibility and affordability of optical coherence tomography (OCT), a pivotal imaging technique in assessing eye health. This endeavour holds immense promise for advancing ophthalmic care and underscores AI’s profound impact in pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.
OCT is often described as a light-based counterpart to ultrasound imaging and generates three-dimensional internal images of the eyes. These images are invaluable for ophthalmologists in diagnosing and monitoring various eye conditions. However, the high cost of traditional OCT equipment has limited its accessibility, particularly for researchers and clinicians in resource-constrained environments.
Dr Kolenderska’s research addresses this issue by leveraging AI to improve the data processing capabilities of OCT machines. She identified a key bottleneck in current expensive machines: the time-consuming process of calculating high-resolution images from raw signals. She aims to enhance the image quality of cheaper, lower-resolution OCT machines to match or surpass that of expensive models by developing a neural network algorithm akin to a sophisticated software update.
“The potential impact of this technology is enormous,” said Dr Kolenderska. “Not only will it make high-quality OCT imaging more affordable and accessible, but it could also lead to significant improvements in early detection and treatment of eye conditions.”
The application of AI in OCT data processing offers several advantages. AI algorithms identify complex patterns in data, enabling them to produce sharper and more detailed images than traditional algorithms. Dr Kolenderska estimates that the images generated by AI-enhanced OCT machines could be up to six times better than current images.
Moreover, the scalability of AI technology opens up possibilities for future hardware integration. Dr Kolenderska envisions a future where AI modules could be seamlessly attached to existing OCT machines, much like a USB stick, further democratising access to high-quality imaging capabilities.
In Asia Pacific, eye healthcare technology is making significant strides globally. According to a report by OpenGov Asia, in 2022, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) announced a partnership with the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) to develop at least two projects aimed at treating patients of different ages suffering from lazy eye and other eye conditions. CEVR, established under the Innovation and Technology Commission’s platform for research and innovation, InnoHK, is at the forefront of innovative research in eye health care.
Amblyopia, a common visual impairment that reduces vision and 3D perception, requires retraining the brain to use information from both eyes. This is particularly challenging in adults due to reduced neuroplasticity and the brain’s full maturation with age.
In 2023, Hong Kong continued its innovative efforts in eye health care. A partnership between CEVR and DEFTA Partners was announced to advance technology transfer and commercialise eye and vision health research. Celebrated at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), this partnership will leverage DEFTA’s business network and CEVR’s research achievements to translate research outcomes into globally impactful products. The collaboration is expected to drive innovation in the eye and vision health field, addressing critical issues in the industry.
Dr Sylwia Kolenderska’s work in eye health care represents a significant advancement in the intersection of AI and medical imaging.
In the future, Dr Sylwia Kolenderska’s work is poised to have an even greater impact on the field of ophthalmology in New Zealand and beyond. As AI continues to evolve in this rapid technology landscape, its integration with medical imaging technologies like OCT holds immense promise for improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes.
