Early detection for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are leading causes of blindness among adults around the world, and improved access and screening rates can prevent disease progression and blindness. Verily is working together with Nikon (including its subsidiary Optos) and leveraging software and machine learning models created by Google Research to develop technology for the earlier detection of these two debilitating eye diseases.

Verily and Nikon (including its subsidiary Optos) aspire to improve the accessibility and quality of ophthalmic screening in order to assist physicians and address a broad and under-served population of diabetic patients. The partnership will combine Verily’s deep learning technology, Nikon's leadership in optical engineering and precision manufacturing at scale, and Optos' proprietary ultra-widefield technology and strong commercial presence among eyecare specialists. The partnership will focus on developing solutions for the efficient referral of DR and DME patients to retinal eyecare specialists, and providing these specialists with assisted reading programs for easier diagnosis of disease.