Intel's AI solution to helps reduce diabetic vision loss

Sankara Eye Foundation and Singapore-based Leben Care are deploying a comprehensive retina risk-assessment software-as-a-service platform in India.

Netra.AI is a retina risk assessment software-as-a-service platform. The cloud-based AI solution is powered by Intel technology and uses deep learning to identify retinal conditions. (Image: Sankara Eye Foundation)

Netra.AI, the cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) solution, is powered by Intel technology and uses deep learning to identify retinal conditions in a short span of time with the accuracy level of human doctors. It can accurately identify diabetic retinopathy (DR), greatly reducing the screening burden on vitreoretinal surgeons.

Why it matters
India has one of the largest diabetic populations of any country in the world, approaching 98 million cases by 2030. Research shows that DR is a leading cause of blindness and vision loss in adults, and early detection and treatment is critical to stopping the damage.

However, the lack of trained retinal specialists in India — especially in remote, rural regions — limits effective screening of asymptomatic patients. This results in patients presenting late with advanced diabetic eye disease.

“Technology and AI are democratizing healthcare access, especially in screening for ailments,” said Dr. Kaushik Murali, president of Medical Administration, Quality & Education, Sankara Eye Foundation India. “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 analyzes images from portable, technician-operated fundus camera devices, for immediate results of referable DR grading via a cloud-based web portal. The solution uses cutting-edge AI algorithms, developed in collaboration with leading retina experts, with a four-step deep convolutional neural network (DCNN).

This neural network helps in detecting DR stage and annotating lesions based on pixel density in the fundus images. The solution can be expanded to other retinal conditions and glaucoma, helping to reduce the screening burden on healthcare specialists and focus key resources on patients who need immediate care and intervention.

Initial results
So far, Netra.AI has screened 3,093 patients in India and identified 742 at-risk patients. The solution generates detailed reports within two minutes of uploading images and offers immediate and highly accurate diagnosis to help doctors provide instant counsel for patients needing a referral to the hospital.

It’s a powerful tool for screening retinal illnesses in large populations with limited infrastructure, resources and an overburdened healthcare system.

How it works
The Netra.AI solution is optimized for Intel Xeon Scalable processors with built-in Intel Deep Learning Boost and Intel Advanced Vector Extension 512 acceleration. Intel architecture delivers strong data protection, fast processing of large data volumes and service flexibility without any performance drawbacks.

The solution provides users access to Intel-optimized images for TensorFlow, Apache MXNet and PyTorch, in addition to Intel performance libraries, to further enhance application performance.