Joanna Przezdziecka-Dolyk, MD; Wojciech Drzewinski, MSc; Piotr Kruszynski, MSc; Mateusz Toporowicz, MA
Competition Sponsor: EIT Health of the European Union
Awardee Year: 2024
Our project focuses on the development of eyeTEST, an innovative AI-powered mobile application designed to allow individuals to self-examine their eyes for refractive errors using only a smartphone. Addressing the global shortage of optometrists and the rising demand for accessible eye care, eyeTEST utilizes advanced technologies such as neural networks and image processing to provide an objective, accurate diagnosis of common vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The app requires no specialist involvement, thus reducing the need for in-person consultations and allowing users in remote or underserved areas to receive high-quality eye care. In addition to its diagnostic capabilities, eyeTEST supports healthcare providers by freeing up resources, enabling specialists to focus on more complex cases. The project is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, with system prototype demonstrations in operational environments. We have secured partnerships and are planning pilot programs in several regions, including Africa and Southeast Asia, where access to optometry is limited. By leveraging AI and mobile technology, this project aims to make eye health more accessible, affordable, and scalable on a global scale, potentially impacting millions of people who currently lack access to proper eye care.