Division of Artificial Medical Intelligence in Ophthalmology

CU Anschutz Division of Artificial Medical Intelligence in Ophthalmology

Research Focus Areas

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that occurs when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. Because it often develops without noticeable symptoms, regular eye exams are essential for early detection. When diagnosed early, diabetic retinopathy can often be managed to slow disease progression and help preserve vision.

Infectious keratitis is an infection of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, and a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Our research develops artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help diagnose these infections and identify the underlying cause from eye images, providing clinicians with faster, more accurate guidance for treatment. This work has the potential to improve access to timely diagnosis, particularly in regions where specialized diagnostic testing is limited.

Oculomics combines advanced ophthalmic imaging with artificial intelligence (AI) to uncover insights about overall health through the eye. By identifying imaging biomarkers associated with systemic diseases, AI-powered eye exams have the potential to enable earlier detection, improve risk assessment, and support non-invasive monitoring across a wide range of health conditions.

OPTIMEyes is an AI-assisted annotation tool that helps eye care specialists label retinal images more efficiently. By learning from clinician feedback over time, the platform continuously improves its accuracy and automates more of the routine annotation process. This approach reduces manual effort, supports high-quality image analysis, and helps accelerate the development of AI tools for eye care.

Retinal organoids are three-dimensional, stem cell-derived models that help researchers better understand retinal development and disease while advancing new treatment strategies. We partner closely with CellSight to support AI-driven research that accelerates the study of retinal disease and the development of future therapies.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) affects premature infants and is a leading cause of childhood blindness. Our research explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the detection of ROP by identifying areas of concern and revealing broader insights into infant health. By building on routine retinal imaging, we aim to improve early diagnosis, reduce variability in screening, and support better outcomes for infants in the NICU.

Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection and the world's leading infectious cause of blindness. Repeated infections can scar the eyelid, causing the eyelashes to turn inward and damage the cornea over time. Our research develops artificial intelligence (AI) tools that identify signs of trachoma from routine eye photographs, with the goal of expanding screening in underserved communities where access to eye care specialists is limited. Early detection can help ensure timely treatment and prevent vision loss.

Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that can cause redness, pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. It can result from infections, injuries, autoimmune diseases, or other underlying conditions, though the cause is sometimes unknown. Because uveitis can threaten vision if left untreated, early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to protecting long-term eye health.

Leadership

Interested in the lab? Contact: [email protected] and [email protected]

Publications

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Ophthalmology

CU Anschutz

Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute

1675 North Aurora Court

F731

Aurora, CO 80045

Administration: 720-848-2500 Appointments: 720-848-2020

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Tools & Resources

CU Campuses

CU Anschutz

Department of Ophthalmology

School of Medicine

CU Anschutz Division of Artificial Medical Intelligence in Ophthalmology

Research Focus Areas

Leadership

Jayashree Kalpathy-Cramer, PhD

Travis Redd, MD

Interested in the lab? Contact: [email protected] and [email protected]

Publications

Ophthalmology

CU Anschutz Division of Artificial Medical Intelligence in Ophthalmology

Research Focus Areas

Age-related Macular Degeneration

Diabetic Retinopathy

Infectious Keratitis

Oculomics

OptimEyes Annotation App

Retinal Organoids

Retinopathy of Prematurity

Trachoma

Uveitis

Leadership

Jayashree Kalpathy-Cramer, PhD

Travis Redd, MD

Interested in the lab? Contact: [email protected] and [email protected]

Publications

Ophthalmology