Siloam Vision is an exciting new cloud-based telemedicine platform that uses AI algorithms to help diagnose ROP, the leading cause of childhood blindness globally.
All babies born prematurely are at risk of developing ROP, a condition that damages the retina and can lead to blindness. However, ROP is entirely preventable with the appropriate care. A severe lack of trained professionals, equipment, and awareness about the disease in many countries means an estimated 32,000 pre-term babies become permanently blind or visually impaired from ROP every year.
It's particularly prevalent in Latin America and Southeast Asia where more premature babies are being saved, but few hospitals have the skills and resources to deliver the vision care needed.
The Siloam Vision platform is the brainchild of Orbis Volunteer Faculty members Dr. R.V. Paul Chan and Dr. J. Peter Campbell.
Dr. Campbell tells us: "We started Siloam Vision to improve the care of preterm babies around the world - but we can't declare success until it gets where it is most needed. We are incredibly excited to partner with Orbis to help bring AI and telemedicine to the care of babies at risk of ROP everywhere that it may be beneficial. ROP blindness is almost always preventable. Our shared goal is to partner to make that a reality."
