Matjaž Mihelčič presents I-SCREEN project at EVER 2024

The EVER 2024 meeting, one of the most prominent gatherings in ophthalmology and vision science, took place in Valencia from 3-5 November. This year, the conference introduced a new Special Interest Group dedicated to Shared Care, marking a significant milestone in collaborative eye care initiatives.

As part of this inaugural session, titled "Developing Eye Care in the Community", Matjaž Mihelčič from ECCO presented on behalf of the I-SCREEN project. Mihelčič delivered a talk on Vision Research in Community Practices, focusing on opportunities for big data studies and emphasising the work of the I-SCREEN project.

Recent advances in AI-assisted diagnostics and telemedicine have begun transforming optometric practices. During routine eye exams, these practices use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to screen for early signs of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a growing concern in the field of retinal diseases. Early detection is critical, as it significantly improves treatment outcomes and provides valuable data on the prevalence of ocular conditions within community-based populations—offering a more representative sample than traditional clinic or hospital settings.

Mihelčič’s presentation highlighted how this innovative approach aligns with I-SCREEN’s mission to enhance early diagnosis and treatment accessibility for eye diseases through community practices.