AI-based glaucoma screening in community health centers
Official title: RFA-DP-24-081 Implementing AI-based Glaucoma Screening within Federally Qualified Health Centers
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11454104 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $750,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DP006827-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454104 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for glaucoma who receive care at Federally Qualified Health Centers, especially individuals from populations with higher POAG risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not at risk for glaucoma or those not receiving eye care at participating centers may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project adapts a streamlined AI-assisted eye screening protocol to real-world clinics serving underserved populations. It uses images and clinical data to provide rapid interpretation and guide follow-up care, while studying how best to implement the program in everyday practice. The study combines feasibility testing with a comparative effectiveness component to see how well the intervention works in real clinics compared with current screening pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could enable earlier glaucoma detection and easier access to care for millions in underserved communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous glaucoma screening work (including AI-based approaches) has shown promise, but real-world implementation in FQHCs is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Owsley, Cynthia — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Owsley, Cynthia
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.