⚡ Quick Summary
The I-SCREEN project aims to develop an AI-based infrastructure for the early detection and monitoring of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) across Europe, utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT). This initiative combines community practices with clinical studies to enhance AMD screening and risk assessment.
🔍 Key Details
- 🌍 Project Scope: Conducted across six European countries
- 🧩 Components: Seven work packages including community-based identification and AI development
- ⚙️ Studies: PYRENEES, SUDETES, and APENNINES clinical studies
- 🏥 Network: 28 optometry practices and 7 ophthalmology clinics involved
🔑 Key Takeaways
- 👁️ Early Detection: Focus on identifying subclinical AMD through telemedicine.
- 📊 Robust Network: Established a strong screening network for AMD detection.
- 🔍 Longitudinal Studies: Patients with early AMD are monitored through ongoing clinical studies.
- 🤖 AI Development: Data collected will inform AI algorithms for personalized risk assessments.
- 🌐 Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Involves experts from various fields across Europe.
- 📈 Predictive Modelling: Aims to enhance community-based AMD detection and monitoring.
- 💡 Innovative Insights: Provides new understanding of AMD progression.
📚 Background
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults, significantly impacting quality of life. Early detection and effective monitoring are crucial for managing the disease and preventing severe vision impairment. The integration of artificial intelligence and advanced imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT) holds promise for improving AMD care and outcomes.
🗒️ Study
The I-SCREEN project encompasses a comprehensive framework designed to facilitate community-wide screening for AMD. It includes three interconnected clinical studies: the PYRENEES study focuses on the feasibility of detecting subclinical AMD in optometry practices, while the SUDETES and APENNINES studies monitor patients with varying stages of AMD in clinical settings. This collaborative effort aims to leverage telemedicine and AI for enhanced patient care.
📈 Results
The PYRENEES study successfully established a network of 28 community-based optometry practices and 7 ophthalmology clinics, enabling effective screening and referral processes. Patients suspected of having non-neovascular AMD are referred for further evaluation, while longitudinal studies provide valuable data for AI development. This structured approach aims to facilitate personalized risk assessments and improve early detection rates.
🌍 Impact and Implications
The I-SCREEN initiative represents a significant advancement in the fight against AMD. By combining community-based practices with rigorous clinical studies, it not only enhances the early detection of AMD but also sets the stage for a shared care model that could be replicated in other regions. The potential for AI-driven solutions to transform AMD management is immense, paving the way for better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery.
🔮 Conclusion
The I-SCREEN project exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in healthcare. By harnessing the capabilities of AI and advanced imaging technologies, we can significantly improve the detection and monitoring of age-related macular degeneration. This initiative not only provides hope for patients but also establishes a framework for future advancements in the field. Continued research and development in this area are essential for realizing the full potential of AI in ophthalmology.
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I-SCREEN: Development of an AI-based infrastructure for community-wide screening and prediction of progression in age-related macular degeneration providing accessible shared care.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This work describes the design and methodological framework of the I-SCREEN project, which aims to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based infrastructure utilising optical coherence tomography (OCT) for early detection of AMD and assessment of progression risk.
METHODS: The pan-European project is conducted across clinics and optometry/optician practices in six European countries. I-SCREEN encompasses seven work packages covering community-based AMD identification, clinical follow-up, AI development and project dissemination. Three interconnected clinical studies are carried out by optometry/optician practices (PYRENEES) and ophthalmology clinics (SUDETES and APENNINES).
RESULTS: The PYRENEES study is a prospective, cross-sectional study evaluating the feasibility of detecting subclinical AMD in optometry/optician practices under ophthalmologist supervision via telemedicine. A robust screening network comprising 28 community-based optometry/optician practices and 7 ophthalmology clinics has been established. Patients with suspected non-neovascular AMD are referred to partnered clinics. In the hospital setting, patients with early or intermediate AMD are followed in the longitudinal SUDETES study, while patients with non-foveal geographic atrophy are invited to take part in the APENNINES study. Data obtained inform AI development for community-based AMD detection and monitoring. Predictive modelling will further enable personalised risk assessments.
CONCLUSIONS: I-SCREEN brings together multidisciplinary experts across Europe to establish an AI-driven shared care model for AMD detection and monitoring. By combining high-quality OCT imaging from community practices with longitudinal clinical studies, the initiative provides novel insights into early AMD progression and establishes a foundation for innovative AI-based detection and prediction throughout the real-world population.
Author: [‘Enzendorfer ML’, ‘Reiter GS’, ‘Bogunović H’, ‘Riedl S’, ‘Mai J’, ‘Schrittwieser J’, ‘Stapf C’, ‘Mares V’, ‘Mihelčič M’, ‘Little JA’, ‘Jaki-Mekjavić P’, ‘Barthelmes D’, ‘Hatz K’, ‘Zarranz-Ventura J’, ‘Creuzot-Garcher C’, ‘Hogg R’, ‘Sadeghipour A’, ‘Schmidt-Erfurth U’, ‘I-SCREEN Consortium’]
Journal: Eye (Lond)
Citation: Enzendorfer ML, et al. I-SCREEN: Development of an AI-based infrastructure for community-wide screening and prediction of progression in age-related macular degeneration providing accessible shared care. I-SCREEN: Development of an AI-based infrastructure for community-wide screening and prediction of progression in age-related macular degeneration providing accessible shared care. 2026; (unknown volume):(unknown pages). doi: 10.1038/s41433-026-04487-0