In Germany, approximately 10,000 people go blind every year. Age-related macular degeneration alone is responsible for 50% of blindness. The prevalence increases significantly with age, and as life expectancy rises, so does the need for ophthalmic care. Ophthalmic records contain valuable data for research, ranging from traditional clinical data to advanced imaging technologies. However, these data sources are fragmented. EyeMatics currently combines isolated data sources at four university hospitals and two other roll-out partners. Treatment data is extracted from the respective software systems and diagnostic devices to create a harmonized dataset (Ophthalmology extension module for the core datasets of the Medical Informatics Initiative). The added value of this project lies in the analysis of real-world clinical data generated at different sites and the active involvement of patients through their reported outcomes. Classical statistical approaches combined with advanced machine learning will identify new biomarkers for precision medicine. A clinical dashboard will be the demonstrator, connecting previously isolated primary source systems and visualizing real-time data and new biomarkers across sites. The newly created data base will be used for new, customized clinical solutions.

The project will be funded from March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2028 (in 2 phases).