00:01Artificial intelligence could help spot illness during routine eye scans in a
00:05North East research project. The Northern Ophthalmic Research and Innovation Hub at
00:09Sunderland University has secured £12.2 million in government funding. Researchers will use
00:16artificial intelligence to analyse blood vessels and nerve tissue at the back of the eye, alongside
00:21NHS records. The aim is to identify early signs of diabetes and cardiovascular disease,
00:27potentially before symptoms appear. The team says the approach could later be expanded to dementia
00:32and strokes. Science Minister Chris McDonald hopes earlier diagnosis will help patients
00:38access treatment sooner and ease the pressure on the NHS.
