Ophthalmic Sciences unveils world's first AI contactless device for measuring eye fluid pressure

The Israeli startup Ophthalmic Sciences is unveiling IOPerfect, the world's first artificial intelligence-based contactless intraocular pressure (IOP) measuring device. The proprietary technology, which combines AI-based visual analysis in a virtual reality-like headset, allows tele-diagnosis and remote monitoring of glaucoma. With around 75 million patients globally, glaucoma is the second leading cause for blindness, which this technology may help prevent.

Glaucoma is a common chronic disease, typically caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) that can cause damage to the optic nerve if left untreated. Glaucoma causes adult blindness, which affects some 146 million patients globally. Its market size was valued at $7.9 billion in 2020.

Patients can easily and safely wear the VR-like headset to monitor the fluid pressure inside their eyes during any time throughout the day without the need for eye drops or constant calibration. In addition, the device can be used at home, at eye-care clinics, in emergency rooms, primary care physicians’ offices for at-risk patient screening, nursing homes, and by pharmacies offering healthcare services. The solution saves ophthalmologists and optometrists time, while also improving patient outcomes and increasing revenue for clinics, hospitals, and telehealth providers.

The test is performed in under two minutes, and is unaffected by corneal thickness, with its proprietary algorithm providing reliable AI-based image processing analysis of vascular pressure response. The device applies mild controlled air pressure within the headset while micro-video cameras capture the difference in response to pressure of internal vs. external eye blood vessels. Data is uploaded to a secure cloud where analysis takes place and results can be accessed by the clinician for interpretation.

Ophthalmic Sciences was founded in 2019 by Gabriel Dan and CTO Noam Hadas, and is dedicated to harnessing proprietary AI-based image processing technology to address unmet needs in eyecare with a particular focus on tele-diagnosis. Ophthalmic Sciences operates within eHealth Ventures, a prominent digital health venture fund and incubator, and is an early-stage Digital Health investor that partners with industry leaders and financial investors such as Maccabi (Israel’s leading HMO), Amgen, Medison Ventures, SCI, and others.

"We are excited to have our technology serve as a meaningful tool to help fight the glaucoma epidemic and prevent millions from going blind," said Ariel Weinstein, CEO, Ophthalmic Sciences. "Growing exposure to phone and computer screens appears to be linked to increased glaucoma prevalence. Along with an ageing population, the risk keeps getting higher, increasing the need for early diagnosis. The past year has proven the value of tele-diagnosis, which has attracted significant attention from clinicians and investors in our venture,” he added.

Ophthalmic Sciences has started regulatory procedures for its device, which is set to be available for sale in the US and Europe in 2023. Dozens have undergone clinical trials, the results of which are expected to be submitted to the FDA in 2022. The startup has already secured new capital, and it is in the raising stage. The funding will allow it to extend partnerships that will help bring the devices to the market.