Implementation of A New, Mobile Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Model Incorporating Artificial Intelligence in Remote Western Australia

Objective: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening rates are poor in remote Western Australia where communities rely on outdated primary care-based retinal cameras. Deep learning systems (DLS) may improve access to screening, however, require validation in real-world settings. This study describes and evaluates the implementation of a new, mobile DR screening model that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) into routine care. Design: Prospective, population-based study. Setting: The model was co-designed with local Aboriginal communities and implemented in the remote, Pilbara region of Western Australia. A research officer without formal healthcare qualification performed retinal screening aboard a Mercedes Sprinter Van using an automated retinal camera with integrated AI diagnostics. Patients received their diagnosis on-the-spot and completed an evaluation survey. A remote clinician provided supervision and on-the-spot telehealth consultation for referable disease. Participants: People with diabetes from the Pilbara region. Main Outcome Measure(s): Number of people screened, acceptability of AI to patients. Results: From February to August 2024, DR screening was provided to 9 communities across the Pilbara region. 78 patients provided research consent, of which 56.4% were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders. 10.3% of retinal photos had referable DR and 8.4% of photos were ungradable. 96% of patients were 'Happy with the use of AI'. Conclusion: Our new model for AI-assisted DR screening was culturally safe, acceptable to patients and effective, demonstrating an 11-fold increase in screening rates compared to 2023 Pilbara data. In remote Australian settings, AI-assisted DR screening may overcome historical barriers to service provision and improve minimisation of preventable blindness.