Using AI to improve diagnosis of diabetic eye disease in underserved communities
Official title: Addressing Health Disparities through AI-Enhanced Prediction of Diabetic Retinopathy
Funded at Bioxytech Retina, INC. · NIH-10923617 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, smart imaging tool to help doctors better spot and track diabetic retinopathy, an eye problem that can cause vision loss, especially for African American and underserved communities who face higher risks, so that everyone can get better and more affordable eye care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Bioxytech Retina, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 14, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $406,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R43MD019594-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923617 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from African American, Latino, and Native American communities who are at risk for diabetic retinopathy due to diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have diabetes or are not at risk for diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a new diagnostic imaging technology enhanced by artificial intelligence to better predict and monitor diabetic retinopathy (DR), a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss. The approach focuses on addressing health disparities, particularly among African American and other underserved populations who are disproportionately affected by diabetes and its complications. By improving the accuracy and accessibility of DR diagnosis, the project seeks to reduce treatment costs and enhance overall eye care for those at risk. The technology will be clinically tested to ensure its reliability and effectiveness in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, preserving vision for millions of patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using AI for medical diagnostics, particularly in improving outcomes for underserved populations, indicating a strong potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Bioxytech Retina, INC.
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Basiri, Ali — Bioxytech Retina, INC.
- Study coordinator: Basiri, Ali
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Integrative multi-omics to understand diabetic retinopathy
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-
Smartphone retinal imaging for diabetic eye disease in Egypt
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Retinal Cell Loss in Diabetic Retinopathy
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Redox-triggered REDD1 blockers for diabetic retinopathy
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Ultrafast eye imaging to detect and track diabetic retinopathy
A doctor-science team is developing ultra-fast eye scans to better see tiny blood vessels in people with diabetic retinopathy, helping catch changes early and guide treatment.
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Practical device to automatically track abnormal retinal blood vessel growth in diabetic eye disease
A new, easier-to-use imaging device aims to automatically detect and monitor abnormal retinal blood vessel growth in people with diabetic retinopathy.
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.