DeepMind's AI can spot eye disease just as well as top doctors

DeepMind's artificial intelligence can now spot key signs of eye disease as well as the world's top doctors. Anonymous diagnostic data from almost 15,000 NHS patients was used to help the AI learn how to spot 10 key features of eye disease from complex optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal scans. An OCT scan uses light rather than X-rays or ultrasound to generate 3D images of the back of the eye, revealing abnormalities that may be signs of disease. The system has the potential to prevent irreversible sight loss by ensuring that patients with the most serious eye conditions receive early treatment. DeepMind's new system was developed alongside scientists at Moorfields, University College London.