Shafi Balal, ophthalmic surgeon and Josef Huemer, consultant ophthalmologist shared updates on their groundbreaking work with ITV for their regional feature on how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used for good.
Shafi demonstrated how a non-invasive, high-resolution OCT (optical coherence tomography) image of the eye, taken in a matter of seconds, provides a minutely detailed view of the blood vessels and other features of the retina. He explained how these images, combined with the power of data science, has led to the development of oculomics - using ocular biomarkers to detect systemic conditions such as heart disease.
Shafi is currently working on an AI system for more precise monitoring of keratoconus, which affects mostly working age people and can lead to vision loss or the need for a corneal transplant, using data on the front of the eye. The objective is to move towards AI-supported diagnosis, monitoring and triage, reducing waiting times for patients and freeing up clinician time for more complex cases.
This work is a world-first - all previous research has been on OCT scans of the retina, at the back of the eye.
Josef Huemer explained the power of AI to support clinicians in enabling quick analysis and earlier detection of many conditions. He is currently exploring how AI could transform detection of atrial fibrillation, one of the major causes of stroke.
All of our world-leading AI work is enabled by the INSIGHT Health Data Research Hub at Moorfields.
Watch the Moorfields segment here, courtesy of ITV.
A reminder of some of our ground-breaking AI research:
21 August 2025