NIH-funded research R01 grant

AI-powered glaucoma screening tool using fundus photos

Official title: Validation and Implementation of an Artificial Intelligence Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Model for Glaucoma Screening

Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11419186 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A machine-learning model analyzes fundus photos to estimate glaucoma-related nerve damage, aiming to make screening cheaper and easier for adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$613,594
NIH project number5R01EY036593-03
Project IDNIH-11419186 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults aged 21 and older who could benefit from glaucoma screening in various care settings.

Less likely to help

People without glaucoma or those already under comprehensive ophthalmic care with established diagnoses may see limited additional benefit.

What this research studies

This project trains a deep learning network to turn standard fundus photos into quantitative estimates of glaucomatous damage that match measurements from specialized imaging. It focuses on creating a scalable, machine-to-machine screening approach that could be used in general clinics or telemedicine to identify people who may have glaucoma earlier. The study builds on prior findings that the DL model can align with optical coherence tomography measurements and glaucoma detection. If successful, it could streamline screening, reduce costs, and improve access to eye care for adults.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive faster, more affordable glaucoma screening and earlier detection of damage.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary results show high agreement between DL predictions and SDOCT measurements, supporting feasibility.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Miami School of Medicine
    Coral Gables, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Medeiros, Felipe — University of Miami School of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Medeiros, Felipe

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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    This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.

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  • Comparing tube positions in glaucoma implants to protect corneal cells

    This trial compares two tube placements for glaucoma drainage implants to see which better protects corneal cells and controls eye pressure in people with uncontrolled glaucoma.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11520347

  • Automated topographic test for glaucoma detection and progression

    A new automated method uses topographic structure-function mapping to help diagnose glaucoma earlier and track its progression in patients.

    NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11516608

  • Using AI on eye scans and genes to predict glaucoma risk

    This project uses artificial intelligence on eye scans, vision tests, and genetic information to find people most likely to develop or have worsening glaucoma.

    NIH research University of Miami School of Medicine · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11469603

  • AI-based glaucoma screening in community health centers

    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.

    NIH research University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, United States · NIH-11454104

  • Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function

    A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.

    NIH research Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · Boston, United States · NIH-11450761

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.