HK scientist develops retinal scan technology to identify early childhood autism

Zee demonstrates retinal eye scanning technology used for early detection of autism, during an interview with Reuters in Hong Kong, China. — Reuters

HONG KONG: A Hong Kong scientist has developed a method to use machine learning and artificial intelligence to scan retinas of children as young as six to detect early autism or the risk of autism and hopes to develop a commercial product this year.

Retinal eye scanning can help to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for children, said Benny Zee, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.