Powered By Intel, A Deep Learning System Is Saving India From Blindness

This deep learning and AI system can save many lives

A new deep learning model can be a solution for diabetic retinopathy. Sankara Eye Foundation and Leben Care, a Singapore-based company are collaborating to provide diabetic retinopathy relief in India. The companies are working on an Intel-powered, cloud-based artificial intelligence solution that uses deep learning to detect retinal conditions within a short span. Called Netra.AI, the accuracy of this system matches that of human doctors and can drastically reduce screening burdens.

Prakash Mallya, vice president and managing director of sales, marketing, and communications group at Intel India says, "The use of AI to improve disease detection and prevention is a critical step for the healthcare industry and a giant leap for humankind. India has one of the largest diabetic populations in the world and diabetic retinopathy is the major cause of vision loss and blindness in persons of working age. WIth Netra.AI, Sankara Eye Foundation, and Leben Care have leveraged the power of Intel Xeon Scalable processors and built-in Intel Deep Learning (DL) Boost to accurately detect DR and enable timely treatment to effectively combat avoidable vision impairment and blindness in diabetic patients."

An Aid For India

India has one of the largest diabetic populations in the world and that makes this new development crucial for the country. According to current estimates, the total number of cases might increase to 98 million by 2030 which makes diabetic retinopathy a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in adults. Early detection of this condition and treatment can stop the damage but rural regions of India lack trained retinal specialists who can look into this and act on time. Hence, without the required resources, it is difficult to conduct effective screenings.

Dr. Kaushik Murali, president of medical administration, quality, and education at Sankara Eye Foundation in India says, "Technology and AI are democratizing healthcare access, especially in screening for ailments. Our team at Sankara Eye Foundation has focused on our vision to eliminate needless blindness from India. The current solution, Netra.AI, where we had a key role in the design and development with Leben Care, uses robust AI-enabled platforms from Intel. It is an example of how like-minded collaborators can create meaningful and impactful solutions for various challenges that face humanity."

Netra.AI – A Revolutionary Application Of Deep Learning Technology

The Intel-powered Netra.AI functions by analyzing images from portable and technician-operated camera devices that provide on-spot diabetic retinopathy grading results with the help of a cloud-based web portal. With the assistance of artificial intelligence algorithms and neural networks, Netra.AI detects diabetic retinopathy stages.

The determined team behind Netra.AI and its development believes that it can eventually have more applications like detecting other retinal conditions and glaucoma. This new technology can also save significant time for healthcare specialists, giving them time to focus on other important aspects.

Until now, the Netra.AI system has screened approximately 3,093 patients in India and identified around 742 individuals who were at risk of vision loss and blindness. The system puts together detailed reports in less than 2 minutes which enables immediate diagnosis. It depends on Intel Xeon Scalable processors with in-built Deep Learning Boost and Intel Advanced Vector Extension 512 acceleration. This application of deep learning can save many lives and improve the quality of life in the society we live in.