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, was interviewed by Wen Wei Po regarding two ground-breaking innovations he developed.
The AI-powered, portable retinal fundus camera is designed for self-testing screening for diabetic eye, enabling efficient, comprehensive and accurate screening without the need for trained technicians. It automatically targets the subject’s eyes to capture fundus images within one minute without pupil dilation or fluorescein injection. The device then transmits the images to an AI system, which assesses the optic nerves and fundi of both eyes and detects signs of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or cataract, without requiring interpretation by medical professionals. The research team has collaborated with OPTICAL 88 to install these devices in designated retail stores for public use.
For myopia management, Prof. He’s team developed a non-invasive repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy to reduce the progression of childhood myopia. The team has recently improved the treatment by reducing light intensity, shortening treatment duration and optimising the illumination system. The therapy can halt myopia progression and even reduce the degree of myopia. Research has shown that individuals with high myopia have their prescriptions reduced from 500 degrees to 450 degrees after the treatment. This advancement offers a breakthrough solution for managing the global rise of myopia among children.
