This Israeli Innovation Could Save Your Eyesight

Israel’s prowess in developing life-changing technologies is widely recognized. From cutting-edge agricultural inventions that supply millions with safe, drinkable water to medical innovations that have saved countless lives, Israeli ingenuity consistently makes a positive global impact. As we have seen repeatedly and often,  the country’s trailblazers are addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, thereby delivering significant benefits to humanity. Accordingly, it is no surprise that Israel is not only a global leader in technological innovation but also consistently ranks among the most innovative countries in healthcare.

Case in point: the recent FDA approval of the first fully autonomous artificial intelligence system for portable screening of diabetic retinopathy. Heralded by Dr. Tsontcho Ianchulev, Professor of Ophthalmology at New York Eye and Ear of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, as “perhaps the most exciting FDA clearance I’ve seen in recent years,” this approval has far-reaching implications. With the potential to affect 40 million Americans and 500 million people worldwide, diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition that causes blindness in people who have diabetes, affects 27 percent of all diabetics globally. Simply put, this technology could help save the vision of millions.

Developed by New York and Tel Aviv based AEYE Health, the AEYE Diagnostic Screening technology (AEYE-DS) is the first and only solution that enables anyone, whether at home or in a clinic, to quickly and effectively screen for and detect signs of diabetic retinopathy, thus facilitating its prevention if caught early. Dr. Ianchulev, who serves on the Board of Directors of AEYE, notes that AEYE-DS can “streamline care, reduce patient burden, and ultimately ensure exponential access to essential sight-saving services.”

Founded in 2018 in Tel Aviv, AEYE Health is a leader in using artificial intelligence to make screening for eye diseases more effective and accessible. With nearly 2.2 billion people globally suffering from some form of ocular impairment, AEYE Health’s continued efforts have the potential to improve outcomes for nearly a quarter of the world’s population. This is promising news, and the company shows no signs of slowing down. As noted by AEYE Health’s co-founder and CEO, Zack Dvey-Aharon, Ph.D., “AEYE is continually working to expand the boundaries of diagnostic screening beyond diabetic retinopathy.”

Even among the ever-expanding field of life-changing, cutting-edge technological innovations from Israeli innovators, AEYE Health’s AEYE-DS stands out—not only for its groundbreaking use of AI but also for the extensive scope of its potential impact.

Importantly, such continued innovation underscores Israel’s significant role in addressing some of the world’s toughest challenges, positioning it as a crucial player in shaping a future where health and well-being are accessible to all.

We owe a great deal of thanks to Israel for its contributions.