Clinical Utility of an Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Lesion-Based Urgent Referral Triage System for Ultra-Widefield Retinal Images: A Prospective Multi-Reader Multi-Case Randomized Reader Study
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 8
Study Overview
Brief Summary
his study evaluates the clinical utility of an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted lesion-based urgent referral triage system for ultra-widefield (UWF) retinal images.
Unlike disease-classification systems, the AI system identifies predefined vision-threatening retinal findings and generates lesion-level urgent referral recommendations. Participating ophthalmologists will evaluate UWF retinal images under randomized AI-assisted and unassisted conditions.
The primary objective is to determine whether lesion-based AI assistance improves urgent referral triage performance compared with unaided image interpretation.
Detailed Description
Ultra-widefield retinal imaging is increasingly used for retinal disease screening and referral triage. Many vision-threatening retinal abnormalities require timely identification and referral to retinal specialists.
The AI system evaluated in this study is designed as a lesion-based triage tool rather than a disease-diagnosis system. The model identifies predefined urgent referral retinal findings and generates referral recommendations based on lesion-level evidence.
Urgent referral findings include:
- Retinal detachment
- Untreated retinal tear or retinal hole
- Vitreous hemorrhage
- Pre-retinal hemorrhage
- Subretinal hemorrhage
- Retinal neovascularization
- Optic disc neovascularization
- Tractional fibrovascular membrane Treated retinal tears associated with laser barricade scars are classified as non-urgent referral findings.
A total of 600 UWF retinal images acquired using Zeiss and Optos imaging systems will be included.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Factorial
- Primary Purpose
- Diagnostic
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to — (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Licensed ophthalmologists
- •Willing to participate as readers
- •Completion of study training
Exclusion Criteria
- •Retinal specialists involved in establishing gold-standard labels
- •Prior access to gold-standard labels
- •Incomplete study participation
Investigators
XiujuChen
Investigator
Xiamen Ophthalmology Center Affiliated to Xiamen University