An AI advancement in cataract surgery in the UK could drastically reduce the need for glasses and significantly improve patient outcomes.
This new development of an innovative AI-powered tool designed to optimise surgical precision is thanks to a collaborative effort between AI and visual computing specialists at the University of Bradford’s School of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Electronics (CSAIE) and ophthalmology technology company CustomLensAi.
Around 50% of patients undergoing cataract surgery still require corrective eyewear post-operation. However, experts at CustomLensAi estimate this number could drop to as low as 5% with its advanced AI-driven platform.
The project has garnered significant attention, recently securing a place within the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.
To accelerate its innovation journey, it gained access to crucial resources such as cloud computing, technical support, mentorship, and global networking opportunities.
Professor Rami Qahwaji, a leading expert in visual computing at the University of Bradford, said: ‘For CustomLensAi, the objective was to build an intelligent computer system capable of predicting and enhancing the visual outcomes of cataract surgery. This was a significant challenge, given the variability in surgical methods and the diverse data formats from different manufacturers.
‘Our role has been to develop AI tools that can standardise and refine data quality, enabling the generation of accurate predictions. This technology is designed for global scalability, ensuring it can function effectively in any eye clinic worldwide.’
The project also benefits from CustomLensAi’s extensive network of senior ophthalmologists, whose insights validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the AI system’s machine-learning algorithms.
This collaborative validation process ensures that the platform consistently delivers high-quality outcomes in real-world clinical settings.
As it enters its third and final year, the KTP concentrates on refining the technology and prepping it for commercial release.
The solution has already been showcased at several international ophthalmology conferences, generating considerable interest from the global surgical community.
Milind Pande, founder and CEO of CustomLensAi, said: ‘Our collaboration with the University of Bradford is a game-changer in personalised healthcare. Together, we’re pioneering AI-driven solutions that improve surgical accuracy and significantly enhance patient outcomes, shaping the future of ophthalmology.’
The CustomLensAi platform is designed to simplify and enhance the surgical planning process. It leverages a patient’s clinical history, examination results, and diagnostic data to automatically generate a detailed and personalised surgical prescription.
The platform’s adaptability also allows varying levels of automation based on the needs of the surgical team, ensuring tailored solutions for each patient.
By minimising human error and standardising high-quality outcomes, this AI-driven approach can dramatically reduce the number of cataract surgery patients requiring corrective lenses post-operation – transforming patient experiences worldwide.
