A new study from the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that artificial intelligence may help address long-standing gaps in eye care for people with diabetes. Researchers found that African American patients were more likely to receive referrals for eye exams when screened with an AI-assisted diagnostic tool. The findings offer early evidence that technology could improve access to care for underserved populations. The results focus on diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness that often develops without warning. A Silent Threat To Vision Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease linked to diabetes. It damages the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to permanent vision loss. Many people do not notice symptoms in the early stages, which makes regular screening critical. Doctors recommend annual eye exams for people with diabetes. Early detection allows treatment to begin before serious damage occurs. Despite these guidelines, many patients do not receive routine screenings. Flow Diagram Illustrating Patient Movement Through Both Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Pathways, AI Referral and Eye Care Provider Referral. (CREDIT: …