IRIS, a banner of the New Look Vision Group Inc., launches IRIS-ai, a breakthrough artificial intelligence technology for the optometry industry in Quebec, in partnership with Montreal-based DIAGNOS. This state-of-the-art tool uses AI to enhance clinical testing and detect early signs of retinal abnormalities.

For over two years, IRIS and DIAGNOS have joined forces to advance and combine technological innovations and provide front-line clinical experience to improve patient care through early detection and follow-up of various ocular diseases, with the training of DIAGNOS algorithms and with the help of annotations from 30 IRIS optometrists. A total of 14,000 patients across Quebec were screened, generating a comprehensive databank with images of patients across the province, reflecting the diversity of patients in Quebec.

“At IRIS, we believe that delivering the best optometric service to our patients is achieved through an unwavering commitment to innovation and research. We are proud to not only invest significant financial resources but also in our investment in human expertise, to remain at the forefront of our field, and to continue to offer top quality optometric care,” states Éric Babin, President IRIS.

Under the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy’s INVEST-AI initiative, a pilot program was submitted by the two partners in 2020, followed by a subsidy to adapt the AI technology in a commercial context one year later. Participating IRIS optometrists contributed their clinical expertise by validating the analyses of the algorithms, ensuring their relevance and accuracy.

“For us, it was essential to partner with a company that not only attaches importance to a rigorous and precise scientific framework, but that proposes a tool designed to guarantee ethical and transparent standards at every level while providing an added layer of support to optometrists throughout the province,” adds André Larente, President of DIAGNOS.

IRIS-ai is currently being deployed in all of Quebec and will be gradually introduced to all 150 stores in the rest of Canada.

Click HERE for the press release.

On Saturday, June 3^rd, hundreds of cyclists will be gearing up and riding together in Alliston, ON for Fighting Blindness Canada’s 15th Annual Cycle for Sight fundraising event in support of vision research. This year, the nationally hosted event is expected to raise over $500,000 bringing hope to 1.2 million Canadians living with vision loss.

With ride distance options ranging from 18 to 100km, Cycle for Sight is a challenging and fun one-day ride, culminating in a finish line celebration with lunch and free massages for participants. Also attending this year’s event includes Canadian Paralympic athletes Victoria Nolan and Maya Jonas, and New Tecumseth Ward 4 Councillor Alan Masters.

“To date, Cycle for Sight has raised $6.2 million, contributing directly to research that is transforming lives,” said Mirja Raita, Manager, Cycle for Sight. “Riders are not just helping their friends and family members impacted by vision loss, they’re helping as many as 8 million Canadians living with an eye condition that puts them at risk of blindness.”

Cycle for Sight Toronto is 1 of 5 Fighting Blindness Canada cycling rides taking place across Canada. A virtual participation opportunity is also available for individuals to enjoy an activity at their own pace: walking, running, dancing, or simply moving, all in support of sight-saving research.

Register or sign-up to volunteer for a Cycle for Sight event near you at cycleforsight.ca

Date: Saturday, June 3, 2023

Time:  8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (intro and warm-up begin at 8 a.m., first cyclists depart at 8:30 a.m.)

Choice of distances: 18km, 35km, 50km, 80km, or 100km rides starting and finishing at Gibson Centre and PPG Park, 63 Tupper St. W, Alliston, ON.

Click HERE for the press release.