Speakers - 2026

Title: Artificial intelligence for early optic-nerve damage across central nervous system disorders

Abstract

Neurological disorders represent a major cause of disability worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for early detection tools that can identify pathology before irreversible damage occurs. Significant advances in artificial intelligence now enable automated interpretation of ocular imaging, a unique, non-invasive window into central nervous system health. In this presentation, I will discuss our work developing HawkVi, a cloud-based AI system that analyzes standard fundus photographs to detect early optic-nerve abnormalities related to multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, and neurodegeneration. By leveraging deep learning models trained on diverse international datasets, the platform identifies subtle structural changes that often precede clinical symptoms, allowing earlier intervention and improved neurological outcomes. This innovation expands access to neurological evaluation in primary care, telemedicine settings, and global regions with limited imaging resources. Integrating AI-enabled ocular biomarkers into clinical practice may transform early diagnosis and ultimately advance better brain health at a population level.