ICYMI: "Eye Connect" Recap!

By: Tyler Jones
Attendees gathered around the student board presentations regarding AI in ophthalmology.
Attendees gathered around the student board presentations regarding AI in ophthalmology.

AI.Health, Emory Eye Center, and Atlanta Vision Research Community hosted a novel joint mini-symposium on April 20! “Eye Connect” aimed to create a bridge between artificial intelligence and ophthalmic innovation.

Dr. Allen Beck, director of the Emory Eye Center, kicked off the afternoon with opening remarks, which were followed by several thought-provoking presentations. Topics ranged from the effectiveness of non-drug and surgical treatments for glaucoma to how Charles Bonnet Syndrome affects adolescents. 

At the halfway mark, attendees were directed to the atrium, filled with more than 30 research poster presentations. One of these posters was Shurti Balamurgan’s, an undergraduate student working in the multidisciplinary Machelle T.  Pardue Lab. She presented her research on the effects of violet light on mice’s refractive development.  

Another researcher, Ramnath Saminath Gandhi, also an undergraduate student in the Purdue Lab, showcased his research on the short-term effects of virtual reality (Apple Vision-Pro) on eyesight. Despite common misconceptions that virtual reality goggles may weaken eyesight, Gandhi said, “We found no difference between using a television and virtual reality.” 

Reflecting on her time at the symposium, Balamurgan said, “The mini-symposium has taught me a lot about how AI is such an integrated part of ophthalmology. I would’ve never have guessed that so much of ophthalmology is being innovated with AI,” 

After the poster presentations, attendees returned to the auditorium for presentations from Empathetic AI for Health Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Anant Madabhushi, Department of Ophthalmology Associate Professor, Dr. Michaёl Girad, and more. These presentations reinforced the overarching message of the value of AI and the future of ophthalmology research. 

Those interested in learning more about the symposium or following the ongoing work of the AI.Health Institute can stay connected on Instagram @emoryaihealth, on Facebook @Emory Aihealth, and on LinkedIn @Emory AI.Health.