The world of healthcare is witnessing a groundbreaking advancement with the development of the mobile app “BegIA.” Created by two visionary Master’s Degree students in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), BegIA utilizes the power of artificial intelligence to revolutionize the early detection of debilitating eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. With a simple selfie, this innovative app can swiftly diagnose these conditions, guiding users to seek timely medical intervention and expert care. The app’s potential to transform global eye health has been recognized, and it recently earned the prestigious Ramón Molinas Foundation Prize for Social Impact at the 2023 SpinUOC event.
How does BegIA detect eye diseases?
BegIA employs a neural network artificial intelligence algorithm, proficient in deep learning techniques. By analyzing a frontal image of the face, taken as a mobile selfie, the app can accurately identify whether the individual is affected by an eye disease, distinguishing between various conditions simultaneously.
How can BegIA benefit regions with limited access to healthcare?
The creators of BegIA have focused on addressing the lack of easy access to eye care in remote and underserved regions. In developing countries and rural areas, where ophthalmology specialists and diagnostic facilities may be scarce, the app’s early detection capabilities can prove invaluable in preventing vision loss and blindness.
How did the idea for BegIA originate?
The inspiration for BegIA emerged from a personal experience of one of the creators, Igor García Atutxa and Francisca Villanueva. Witnessing a relative’s struggle with diabetic retinopathy due to type 2 diabetes, they recognized the urgency for early diagnosis to mitigate the impact of eye diseases on people’s lives.
How has BegIA been trained and improved?
To enhance the algorithm’s accuracy and robustness, the creators utilized images provided by Mexico’s Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. The algorithm has undergone continuous training and refinement, with plans to collaborate further with hospitals and diabetes associations to secure images with greater variability.
What are the additional features of the BegIA mobile app?
Beyond its diagnostic capabilities, BegIA also facilitates remote medical monitoring. Users can track the effectiveness of their treatment plans and monitor the evolution of their condition through images taken with the app, avoiding the need for frequent travel and significant medical expenses.
When can we expect BegIA to be available?
The creators of BegIA are optimistic about its potential impact on global eye health and foresee its availability on the market within the next two years. This efficient and accessible solution aligns with the principles of the World Health Organization’s VISION 2020 project for preventing blindness.
With its potential to provide accessible eye care in underserved regions and empower medical professionals and patients alike, BegIA holds the promise of transforming the lives of millions affected by eye conditions. As the world embraces this groundbreaking technology, the fight against preventable blindness takes a giant leap forward, shining a new ray of hope for a brighter future.
