Google is expanding its healthcare efforts by bringing an AI tool to help detect diabetic retinopathy early. This tool will be used by health-tech partners in India and Thailand, including Forus Health and AuroLab in India, and Perceptra in Thailand.
The goal is to conduct about six million free eye screenings over the next ten years, especially in underserved communities. These screenings will help prevent blindness by catching the eye disease early and getting people the treatment they need.
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness that can often go undetected because many people don’t get regular eye exams. Google’s AI tool helps doctors identify the condition sooner, making it easier to treat. The technology has already been used worldwide in clinics, with over 600,000 screenings completed so far. Many of the early tests and studies happened in India.
This new effort is part of a long-term partnership between Google Research and hospitals in India, like Aravind Eye Hospital, and in Thailand, such as Rajavithi Hospital. The aim is to use AI to fight blindness caused by eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
The AI tool is designed to make eye exams more accessible, especially for people in remote areas who struggle to get regular eye care. Google is also working with Indian organizations to use AI for other social good projects in healthcare, farming, and the environment.
At an event in Bangalore, Dr. Manish Gupta from Google DeepMind spoke about how AI can change lives by solving important problems, with healthcare being a top priority. Sunny Virmani from Google emphasized the importance of these partnerships in making sure advanced technology reaches even the most remote places.
By teaming up with partners like Forus Health, AuroLab, and Perceptra, Google hopes to reduce blindness by ensuring that people get the help they need early. This expanded initiative aims to improve the lives of millions in India and Thailand, giving them better access to timely care and a brighter future.
Source: firstpost
