Using AI to screen for diabetic eye diseases at CHUM

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Early Detection and the Follow-Up of Diabetic Retinopathy of Diabetic Patients Followed at the CHUM: Evaluation of NeoRetina Automated Algorithm (DIAGNOS Inc.)

Not applicable Interventional Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) · NCT04699864

This study is testing if an AI tool can help find diabetic eye diseases earlier than regular eye exams for people with diabetes.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment630 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT04699864 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective study aims to validate the NeoRetina artificial intelligence algorithm developed by DIAGNOS Inc. for the automatic detection and grading of diabetic retinopathy (DR) through the analysis of eye fundus photographs. With over 880,000 individuals in Quebec suffering from diabetes, early detection of DR is crucial to prevent blindness, yet the public healthcare system struggles to provide timely ophthalmological evaluations. The study will compare the screening results from NeoRetina with routine evaluations conducted by ophthalmologists at the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM). The goal is to assess whether AI can effectively facilitate early detection and follow-up of diabetic retinopathy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who are being followed by a physician at CHUM.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those who have already received treatment for retinal conditions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy, potentially reducing the risk of blindness in diabetic patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using AI for screening diabetic retinopathy, indicating that this approach is both innovative and supported by preliminary evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients of 18 years old and older;
2. Ability to provide informed consent;
3. Diagnostic for diabetes : 3a) Type 1 diabetes of a lest 5 years of evolution; or 3b) Type 2 diabetes;
4. Diabetic patient followed and refered by a physician of the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) : 4a) followed by an endocrinologist of the CHUM; or 4b) hospitalized at the CHUM; or 4c) on the waiting list of the Ophthalmology Clinic of the CHUM for the evaluation of DR.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients less than 18 years old;
2. Inability to provide informed consent;
3. Patient who already had a treatment (surgery, laser, injection, etc.) for any retinal condition : Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular occlusion (RVO); etc.

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Diabetic RetinopathyDiabetic Macular EdemaDiabetic MaculopathyDiabetesType 1 DiabetesType 2 DiabetesOphthalmological EvaluationScreening of Diabetic Retinopathy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.