Dubai, UAE: Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centers, one of the UAE’s leading healthcare providers, has implemented the region’s first AI-powered retinal imaging system, Airdoc, at its Medcare Hospital Al Safa. This cutting-edge technology diagnoses 35 eye diseases and 9 chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and anemia, in just three minutes, revolutionizing early detection and preventive healthcare.
Airdoc, introduced in May 2024, utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to conduct non-invasive retina scans, providing swift and accurate diagnoses of critical health issues such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. So far, more than a dozen patients have benefited from the system’s early detection capabilities, with nearly 7% of the 211 scanned patients found to be asymptomatic for conditions like cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Shanila Laiju, Group CEO of Medcare, emphasized the importance of this innovation, stating, “Our goal is to always be at the forefront of medical advancements. Airdoc enhances our ability to deliver top-notch care and ensures timely detection of diseases that would otherwise go unnoticed.”
The technology uses a high-resolution fundus camera to capture retinal images in just one minute. The AI then processes these images, generating a comprehensive health assessment report within three minutes, boasting a 95% accuracy rate in detecting retinal abnormalities. The system screens for conditions such as arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular risks, and sudden cardiac death.
Dr. Brajesh Mittal, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Head of Cardiology at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, described Airdoc as a breakthrough in preventive healthcare. “The eyes are indeed windows to the heart. Airdoc’s AI-driven analysis provides invaluable insights into cardiovascular risks, offering an easy, non-invasive method of early disease detection.”
With insurance covering the cost of the procedure, Medcare’s adoption of Airdoc is set to make life-saving technology more accessible, reinforcing its position as a leader in healthcare innovation in the UAE.