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The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has received a transformative $5 million gift from the John and Daria Barry Foundation to support its Center for Ophthalmic Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Health. In recognition of this generous donation, the center will now be named The Barry Family Center for Ophthalmic Artificial Intelligence and Human Health.
Founded in 2023, the Center aims to revolutionize vision care by incorporating AI technologies, particularly in primary care settings. The funds will propel research into early diagnosis of eye diseases and develop tools to assess systemic health conditions linked to eye disorders.
Barry Family Donation
“We are extremely grateful to the Barry family for their generous and transformational gift to spur the growth and success of our innovative Center,” said Dr. James C. Tsai, Chair of Ophthalmology at Icahn Mount Sinai and President of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. “We have made advances in raising the standard of vision care with new medical technologies that are expanding the boundaries of ophthalmic care for all of human health.”
Co-founder of the Barry Foundation, Daria Barry, emphasized the impact of supporting AI in ophthalmology: “By supporting Mount Sinai’s Center, we aim to enable earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments while ensuring that cutting-edge technology is accessible to all. We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative.”
Advancing Research and Education
The $5 million donation will not only accelerate research but also enhance the Center’s clinical programs. A focus will be placed on ensuring equity in primary care-based vision care. The funds will help recruit top talent, including a new director and an AI scientist, while also establishing one of the first clinical fellowship programs in ophthalmic AI and digital health.
AI for Early Diagnosis and Intervention
In partnership with the Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, the Center is integrating AI into patient care and medical education. AI-driven tools are being developed to diagnose conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy—conditions that, if untreated, can lead to vision loss.
AI is also being used to detect broader systemic health conditions such as heart disease and stroke through routine eye exams. Mount Sinai researchers have discovered that deposits beneath retinal cells may serve as early warning signs for cardiovascular and neurological diseases, paving the way for early intervention.
Pioneering New Clinical Programs
The Barry Family Center is driving innovation with three groundbreaking initiatives:
- Tele-retina Program: Primary care physicians use portable cameras to capture high-resolution retinal images during routine exams. AI is then used to detect early signs of diseases, improving early diagnosis rates.
- Tele-consult Program: Through a telemedicine platform, ophthalmologists can diagnose eye emergencies remotely, improving access to urgent care without requiring in-person visits.
- Acute Eye Stroke Program: This program uses advanced imaging to diagnose eye strokes (central retinal artery occlusion) in real-time, in collaboration with Mount Sinai’s emergency departments.
These initiatives leverage AI to analyze vast datasets and uncover key ocular biomarkers, improving both prevention and treatment outcomes.
The Future of AI in Healthcare
Mount Sinai’s AI-driven approach is reshaping ophthalmology, offering a deeper understanding of both vision care and broader health conditions linked to eye diseases. This significant gift from the Barry family will push the boundaries of what’s possible, not only in ophthalmic care but in AI’s role in healthcare overall.
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