Ophthalmology and Artificial Intelligence: did we crack the code?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a fast-growing branch of computer science and is being increasingly explored in medical research for utility across various fields. Of particular interest is the concept of machine learning (ML), referring to the capacity of a ‘machine’ to autonomously acquire its own programming for completing a task without a pre-written set of instructions. Impressively, these ‘machines’ can adapt (and, if necessary, correct) their algorithms according to new data and subsequently implement these programs for pattern recognition, determinations and predictions. Furthermore, technological advances in computation tools and data acquisition, storage, and transfer are dramatically expanding the volume and speed of multi-modal data processing and communication. Ophthalmology, being an image-based speciality, lends itself to benefit from these digital ecosystems. The recent global health crisis has incentivised the maturation of virtual health delivery infr...