Waikato Retinal Imaging Group

Overview

The Waikato Retinal Imaging Group is exploring pattern recognition techniques to analyse and quantify the features of diabetic retinopathy in non-mydriatic colour fundus images.  The ultimate aim is to develop a system capable of automated screening of the retinae of diabetic persons for diabetic retinopathy.

The retinal imaging group is headed by Dr Michael Cree, senior lecturer in Physics and Electronic Engineering, who has been involved in developing computer algorithms for analysis of retinal disease since 1995.  The group includes Prof David Simmons, Waikato Clinical School, Dr Peter Dunn, Diabetes Clinic and Dr David Worsley, Consultant Ophthalmologist.  We are currently carrying out a clinical trial, part funded by the Waikato Medical Research Foundation, to test software to detect microaneurysms in retinal images as a means to screen for diabetic retinopathy.

The group is also collaborating with Drs Herbert Jelinek and David Cornforth, Charles Sturt University, Australia, and with Dr Roberto Cesar, Jr., of the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.  We are exploring methods to detect vessels in retinal images and to quantify lesions such as venous beading, arteriolar narrowing and neovascularisation.

Colour retinal image of a diabetic person

Microaneurysms detected by the automated microaneurysm detector are highlighted in white