Artificial intelligence tool 'as good as experts' at detecting eye problems

Machine-learning system can identify more than 50 different eye diseases and could speed up diagnosis and treatment

A new machine-learning system is as good as the best human experts at detecting eye problems and referring patients for treatment, say scientists.

The groundbreaking artificial intelligence system, developed by the AI-outfit DeepMind with Moorfields eye hospital NHS foundation trust and University College London, was capable of correctly referring patients with more than 50 different eye diseases for further treatment with 94% accuracy, matching or beating world-leading eye specialists.