Google, Perceptra offer AI-powered diabetic retinopathy screening
Source：Nation Thailand
From：Taiwan Trade Center, Bangkok
Update Time：2025/02/26
Google and its technology licensing partner, Perceptra, have teamed up to provide artificial intelligence (AI)-powered screenings for diabetic retinopathy (DR) to approximately 1 million people in underserved areas of Thailand over the next decade.
This initiative aims to address the rising diabetes crisis, which affects 800 million adults globally, including 6 million in Thailand. With one in three diabetes patients at risk of developing DR—a leading cause of preventable blindness—early detection and timely treatment are essential to preserving vision.
Google has been researching AI’s role in reducing preventable blindness for nearly a decade, collaborating with institutions such as Aravind Eye Hospital in India (2017) and Rajavithi Hospital in Thailand (2018). In Thailand, the company has worked closely with Dr. Paisal Ruamviboonsuk, a senior ophthalmologist at Rajavithi Hospital under the Ministry of Public Health, conducting research within the National Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme. This includes retrospective and prospective studies, implementation research, and evaluations of program effectiveness. So far, Google's AI model has helped screen over 600,000 patients worldwide.
Katherine Chou, head of product and user experience at Google Research, highlighted the company’s dedication to turning AI’s potential into tangible benefits. She noted that the partnership with Perceptra reinforces Google's commitment to eliminating preventable blindness, particularly by ensuring timely treatment for patients in remote areas.
Jacky Wang, Google Thailand’s country director, emphasized the significance of AI and strategic collaborations in strengthening the country’s public-health sector. She reiterated Google’s commitment to “Leave No Thai Behind,” hoping the initiative will ensure at-risk diabetes patients receive timely screenings and treatment.
Perceptra’s CEO, Supichaya Pusitsopit, expressed excitement about working with Google to introduce AI-driven DR screenings across Thailand. She noted that this aligns with Perceptra’s mission to enhance healthcare services, with the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives. By integrating Google’s technology with Perceptra’s solutions, hospitals will be better equipped to offer advanced DR screenings and other medical services.
She also emphasized AI’s role in revolutionizing healthcare through disease prevention, early detection, and diagnosis. Google remains committed to expanding its partnerships with key organizations in Thailand to leverage AI for improved healthcare and better quality of life for Thai citizens.