AI: Access All Areas

Ophthalmology is entering a new era. Recent advances in cloud-computing infrastructure and the democratized access to machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) development tools means that structured and unstructured patient data can be harnessed and transformed into algorithms that can diagnose faster and earlier. This will enable the advancement of targeted treatments across a multitude of ocular and systemic diseases and will transform the way clinicians practice – improving patient outcomes and promoting greater patient access to quality eye care globally. Xiao-Yu Song, Global Head of Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson Vision, describes the company’s involvement in the field.

How is Johnson & Johnson Vision using AI for the benefit of ophthalmologists and their patients?

We are developing responsible ML/ AI-based technologies that solve clear patient needs and enable doctors to deliver the most advanced treatments available.

Innovation is at the heart of Johnson & Johnson Vision – it is embedded in all we do. It fuels the discovery and development of our new products to bring solutions to those in need, and it extends to our numerous collaborations, education and community efforts.

The use of new technologies such as ML/AI within healthcare is no different. It represents another new technological frontier that we intend to explore in depth in the coming years. Abundant, high-quality data is at the heart of any robust medical-grade ML/AI algorithm. Therefore, we are using state-of-the-art ML/AI tools to mine our existing clinical and real-world datasets to uncover insights that lead to new scientific hypotheses and fuel the development of novel innovations, products, and therapies. And we’re taking this approach across several core areas, including myopia control, ocular surface disease, and corneal/refractive surgery, to create high-quality predictive algorithms from diverse structured and unstructured data sources. These will elevate outcomes and raise the standard of care in ophthalmology. But we are not doing this alone. We are working with practices, hospitals, and firms around the world to establish ethical, economical, and mutually beneficial ways to share data, all the while guarding patients’ privacy and ensuring that our future digital products and services are affordable and accessible to patients.

How do you see AI and machine learning evolving in the near and longer-term future?

The future of ML/AI in healthcare in general, and eye health in particular, is extremely bright. However, as with any new technology, we must proceed cautiously to make sure that the solutions we bring to market deliver a true benefit for patients and keep doctors at the core of patient care.

As these new advancements continue to evolve, Johnson and Johnson Vision intends to help establish and shape the best practices and policies that govern the responsible use of ML/AI across the healthcare industry. It is through such activities that we will bring life-changing technologies to market, while continuing to live up to our responsibilities to patients, doctors, nurses, mothers, fathers, and all others who use our products and services.