20.08.2026

How AI is transforming the screening for macular degeneration

Artificial intelligence is transforming ophthalmology. Dr Aude Ambresin, an ophthalmologist at Swiss Visio Montchoisi in Lausanne, opened the doors of her practice to Schweizer Familie. How is AI being integrated into retinal diagnosis? And what does this mean for patients?

The challenge: hundreds of images, very little time

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older people. If detected early, it responds well to treatment. Diagnosis relies in particular on OCT, a laser technique that produces precise images of the different layers of the retina. Several dozen images per eye are required, representing a considerable volume of data to analyse manually.

The solution: an analysis in a matter of seconds

This is where AI comes in. Dr Ambresin uses an application developed by the Bern-based start-up RetinAI, which is capable of analysing all the OCT images in around thirty seconds. The system identifies pathological signs, measures fluid volumes in each retinal layer and produces structured reports.

The decision remains with the doctor. «Thanks to the AI analysis, I save valuable time that I can devote to my patients,» explains Dr Ambresin. The diagnosis remains entirely the responsibility of the doctor.

What this means for patients

Faster results, more time spent in consultations and more accurate follow-ups. Dr Ambresin hopes to see the development of programmes capable not only of analysing the current condition of the retina, but also of predicting the progression of AMD. This would enable intervention at exactly the right time – neither too early nor too late.

AI as a support, not a substitute

The use of AI in ophthalmology illustrates a wider transformation in medicine. Algorithms take on repetitive analytical tasks so that doctors can focus on what machines cannot do: empathy, clinical experience and personalised advice.

Swiss Visio is one of the centres actively involved in this development.

Read the full article in the Schweizer Familie

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