This article will discuss where we currently stand in the use of retinal Imaging methods with the aid of AI for the development of ophthalmological practice. A specific implementation of AI that is available now relies on pattern recognition and grouping of images with similar findings and patterns which can be used to aid in the research and development of a better understanding of retinal pathologies, particularly chronic ones. However, the prospective use that I want to discuss is the clinical aid of AI in early triage for use by non-ophthalmology clinicians who usually have not one but multiple barriers in providing enough information for an effective referral/handover to more senior clinicians specializing in Ophthalmology.

Uveitis is an umbrella term that refers to inflammation of the uveal tract and adjacent structures of the eye, which can be infectious or non-infectious in aetiology. Uveitis can be classified as anterior, intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis based on the anatomical location of the inflammation in the eye. Anterior uveitis is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body and is the most common form of uveitis. Intermediate uveitis is defined as inflammatory cells in the vitreous humour. Posterior uveitis is defined as inflammation of the retina/choroid (choroiditis, chorioretinitis, retinitis) and panuveitis is inflammation of all three parts of the uvea, i.e. the anterior chamber, vitreous humour, and choroid or retina.

Phototransduction is the process by which light stimuli are converted into electrical signals in the retina, enabling vision. This biochemical cascade allows photoreceptor cells—rods and cones—to detect light, initiate electrical signalling, and ultimately send this information to the brain for visual perception. Disruptions in these pathways, whether in the phototransduction process or in the recycling mechanisms, can lead to various visual disorders. Mutations in genes responsible for phototransduction and its components often result in retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa and congenital stationary night blindness. This paper will explore the phototransduction pathway, the recycling of visual pigments, and common gene mutations associated with retinal diseases.

Epiretinal membrane (ERM) may be defined as the pre-retinal proliferation of myofibroblastic cells associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Although various aetiologies have been documented, these cannot be distinguished through histological variations. This review elucidates the most recent evidence concerning the epidemiology, aetiology, clinical findings, and investigation of ERMs.

Trachoma is a form of keratoconjunctivitis and the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. This eye disease results from an infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes A-C. It continues to pose a substantial burden on global health, particularly in regions with poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene practices, and limited access to clean water and healthcare services.

Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial disorder characterised by severe vision loss, often manifesting in young adulthood. It was first described by Theodore Leber in 1871, but the pattern of inheritance was not confirmed until 1988 by Wallace et al. It is one of the most common inherited optic neuropathies, with the hallmark being bilateral, painless central vision loss.

Best vitelliform macular dystrophy, also known as Best disease, was initially described by Adams in 1883 but was named after Dr. Friedrich Best, who provided a detailed account of the condition in 1905. It is the second most common macular dystrophy after Stargardt disease and the most prevalent autosomal dominant macular dystrophy. The disease arises from mutations in the BEST1 gene located on chromosome 11q13, which encodes bestrophin, a transmembrane ion channel found on the plasma membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic, relapsing, systemic vasculitis that affects both arteries and veins. It can involve a range of organ systems, with hallmark features including oral and genital ulcers and ocular inflammation. Due to the lack of a specific biomarker and the heterogeneous presentation, BD is often diagnosed late in its course. Early recognition and treatment are critical to preventing serious complications, particularly vision loss. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of BD, with an emphasis on its ophthalmological implications.

A common objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) station for medical students is an ophthalmology station where students are required to examine the eye and communicate their findings. In many medical schools in the United Kingdom (UK), a mannequin is used where pictures can be inserted in the mannequin’s eye of fundus images with pathologies. It is often an area of anxiety for students as they have little practice examining patients’ eyes. Below the steps involved in examining the eye and communicating findings, in a 10-minute OSCE station, are examined.