Prof. HE Mingguang, Director of the Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), Chair Professor of Experimental Ophthalmology and Henry G. Leong Professor in Elderly Vision Health, and Ir Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA), Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, were featured in RTHK’s TV programme “Hong Kong United”.
In the interview, Prof. He outlined his team’s development of a portable, AI-powered retinal fundus camera for improving the efficiency and accuracy of diabetic retinopathy detection. This innovation addresses critical healthcare challenges in Hong Kong, where 10% of the population have diabetes and require regular eye screenings. Traditional methods rely on bulky equipment and specialist expertise, making screenings costly and time-consuming. The new device, integrated with an AI analysis system, streamlines the process, enabling rapid, cost-effective screenings with over 90% accuracy. Unlike conventional exams that take about 30 minutes, the AI system delivers results in two minutes. Faster identification of at-risk patients allows timely referrals, thereby improving patient outcomes. This solution helps to meet the rising demand for eyecare, particularly among the over-65s, who comprise 10–15% of the population and are at higher risk for eye disease. By enabling affordable, accessible and quick screenings, the technology could encourage the public to seek eyecare services without an increased burden on the strained healthcare workforce. This system presents a viable solution to diabetic retinopathy and the shortage of ophthalmologists and optometrists, benefitting both patients and the healthcare system.
Meanwhile, Prof. Zheng introduced his invention “Scolioscan®”, a portable palm-sized 3D ultrasound imaging device for radiation-free assessment of scoliosis. While X-rays remain the clinical gold standard for evaluating spinal curvature, they expose patients to harmful radiation. This poses a significant health challenge, especially to teenagers with scoliosis who require regular monitoring during rapid growth phases. By using an ultrasound imaging method, the technology allows closer monitoring of spinal curvature progression without health hazards. Its compact, portable design also enables scoliosis screenings to be carried out in community settings such as schools or local clinics. This innovation helps to expand access to safe, accurate assessments for teenagers across diverse regions, facilitating timely interventions for scoliosis patients and improving patient outcomes.
