Oculomics is today’s buzzword, but is it here to stay? Here, in Part One of our series, we unpack a primer on this emerging practice. In Part Two, we’ll look at how three ODs are specifically implementing oculomics in practice.
Oculomics is a fast-emerging practice utilizing AI and data derived from the eye via advanced imaging such as OCT scans to analyze ocular biomarkers to detect, predict, and monitor systemic diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular risk, and even cancer.
“Optometrists practicing oculomics can save lives and prevent serious systemic disease,” says Kerry Gelb, OD, of Contact Lens & Vision in New Jersey, and the host of the vision health-focused podcast, Open Your Eyes. “This strengthens the optometrist’s role in healthcare.”
The rise of this specialized practice is supported by the explosive growth of the predictive healthcare market, which is projected to grow from nearly $17 billion annually in the U.S. in 2024 to over $184 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. This sea change is also bolstered by consumer adoption of health-focused wearables, AI integrations, and a desire for preventative, personalized healthcare.
Oculomics combines “oculus” (eye) and “-omics” (study of biological data) to understand the eye-body connection.
The Oculomics Backstory
While some vision care practitioners have been tying the eye’s connection to health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure for decades, recent advances in imaging, big data, and AI have vastly expanded the role the eye plays in preventative health.
In 2020, researchers and clinicians from the Moorefields Eye Hospital and University Hospitals Birmingham coined the term “oculomics” in a research report to describe how technologies were being utilized to decode the vast amount of health information contained within the eye. “Oculomics” combines “oculus” (eye) and “-omics” (study of biological data) to understand the eye-body connection.
One of the most well-established links between systemic health and eye care is diabetic retinopathy. In fact, eye doctors are often the first to suspect or even identify diabetes, referring patients to their primary care physician for confirmation and treatment after detecting signs of retinopathy.
Beyond diabetic retinopathy, researchers are uncovering other emerging dimensions of eye health through oculomics. First is the cardiometabolic connection: the condition of retinal blood vessels often mirrors vascular health throughout the body, offering insights into cardiovascular risk and even a person’s ‘biological age.’ Second is the neurodegenerative link: advanced retinal imaging may help predict neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, making the eye a potential window into brain health.
Insight Media Video Interview: Kerry Gelb, OD, on the Opportunity in Oculomics Today.
Applying AI to Uncover Systemic Health Indicators
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming retinal imaging by identifying ocular biomarkers linked to systemic and neurological health. By comparing a single retinal scan against millions of others, AI can detect subtle variations from healthy patterns and recognize similarities associated with conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s.
This ability to analyze vast datasets rapidly, accurately, and at scale positions AI as a powerful tool for helping to detect and predict disease risk through non-invasive retinal imaging.
With AI-powered retinal analysis, eye care practitioners are uniquely positioned to detect early signs of systemic and neurological disease. In this “connected care” ecosystem, ECPs play a central role, linking patients with other providers and helping to build a healthcare model that is more accessible, affordable, and equitable.
Optometrists practicing oculomics can save lives and prevent serious systemic disease. This strengthens the optometrist’s role in healthcare.
Kerry Gelb, OD
Healthcare from the Eye
This year in May, The Alliance for Healthcare from the Eye (AHE) launched as a consortium of healthcare organizations consisting of health systems, physicians, payers, researchers, policy makers, and representatives from industry and government working in tandem to “improve clinical outcomes by enabling the ethical and impactful adoption of oculomics in real-world practice.” Partner organizations include Topcon Healthcare, Microsoft, New England College of Optometry, SUNY College of Optometry, Toku, AEYE Health, and others.
“The eye offers a non-invasive, high-resolution window into the body’s vascular, neurologic, and metabolic systems,” says Robert N. Weinreb, MD, ophthalmologist and Distinguished Professor and Chair, Ophthalmology, at the University of California, San Diego, and a founding member of AHE. “With advanced ophthalmic diagnostics, AI can help identify early indicators of heart disease, kidney dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and other systemic diseases—before symptoms arise.”
Optometry & Oculomics
A recent report entitled “The Future of Oculomics” from VSP Vision and the VSP Global Innovation Center looked at the coming of age of the practice—along with the results of a survey of patients and providers.
Interestingly, 87% of providers said they were not familiar with the term “oculomics.” Still, 57% said they were already providing health insights beyond eye health—and 77% agreed that providing these insights can greatly enhance patient care. However, just 33% said they were comfortable using AI to expand the scope of care.
The report also revealed that patients were eager to receive more health insights and data from their optometrist. Of those surveyed, 92% were comfortable receiving these insights from their optometrist, according to The Future of Oculomics report.
87% of eye care providers say they are not familiar with the term “oculomics.” But 82% of patients say they’re comfortable receiving overall health insights from their optometrist.
The Future of Oculomics Report from VSP Vision
In Conclusion
Today, some vision care practitioners are already implementing oculomics. But barriers and challenges exist for broader adoption. Not every practice has OCT equipment in their office. Just a few startup AI companies are currently delivering FDA-approved oculomics. And, of course, putting oculomics in practice requires a defined referral protocol among eye care providers, primary care physicians, and specialists.
Could oculomics be an opportunity for more optometrists looking to grow their practice and enhance the patient experience?
In Part Two of our Insight Media Oculomics series, we look at how some vision care providers are already successfully putting oculomics into practice—and how this field represents an opportunity for growth.
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