Glaucoma screening that uses AI to catch the disease early
Official title: DP24-081 The Glaucoma and Retinopathy Screening Study
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-11358973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new screening program uses AI-driven eye tests to detect glaucoma early, especially in underserved communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $750,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DP006822-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for glaucoma, including members of underserved minority communities who may not have regular access to eye care.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access barriers or with no risk factors may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to screen people for glaucoma using autonomous AI analysis of eye images and easy-to-use virtual tests, improving early detection before vision loss occurs. By focusing on underserved populations, the study seeks to reduce health inequities and prevent irreversible disability. The approach builds on advances in AI for eye health and adapts them for glaucoma screening to be practical in real-world clinic and community settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could enable earlier glaucoma detection, reducing preventable vision loss and disparities.
How similar studies have gone: Similar AI-based screening methods have shown promise in other eye diseases and are being extended to glaucoma; this study tests a focused application.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedman, David S — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Friedman, David S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.