CSIRO Saves Eyesight Online

The CSIRO has developed a low cost, web-based eye screening system, involving image analysis
and data transmission, to address the problem of specialists travelling to the bush or patients
travelling long distances for treatment.

The web-based system, called Remote-i, captures images from a camera that is easy for patients to use and sends them to a central server. An offline system can be set up for data collection in areas with no immediate Internet connection. An automated system analyses the captured images and supports decision making by screening staff and medical specialists. Finally, security and encryption techniques are in place for transmission of patient data. The technology, took out the Victorian Government Inspiration Award which was presented by the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Alex Chernov, AO, QC on Thursday 4 August. Dr Ian Opperman, director of CSIRO’s Information and Communications Technology Centre, remarked that Remote-i is an example of how a national broadband network can assist people with chronic diseases living in rural and regional Australia. The Remote-i initiative was lead by Dr Yogi Kanagasingam, the director of CSIRO’s ophthalmology technology team. It uses static imagery, store-and-forward and video conferencing to take high-resolution images – some of them in 3D – of the retina and then sends them to specialists in urban centres for analysis. The system uses static imagery, for low-bandwidth situations, plus video conferencing imagery for high bandwidth use, and is based on standards that ensure interoperability with a wide range of hardware and software solutions. The specialists are able to view the images on a desktop, or on a tablet computer such as Apple’s iPad, and provide their analysis and treatment guidelines back to the clinical staff at the remote location. Dr Kanagasingam said CSIRO is currently investing possibilities for connecting optometrists, because in remote locations there are few opportunities for second opinions. www.csiro.au