What is Oculomics and How Might it Shape the Future of Health Care?

Oculomics is a promising field with the potential to elevate the role of eye care in the broader health care continuum.

VSP Vision™ recently released “The Future of Oculomics,” the latest Futurist Report from the VSP^® Global Innovation Center that explores how the eye’s connection to the rest of the human body elevates eye care in the broader health care continuum.

Oculomics is the study of the eye as a window into overall health and examines the association between ophthalmic biomarkers and systemic health and disease states. 

“The eye has long served as a window into full-body health. During a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist can detect signs of more than 270 chronic conditions and diseases,” said Ruth Yomtoubian, Vice President and Head of the VSP Global Innovation Center. “Thanks to recent advancements in artificial intelligence, imaging technologies, and big data, the role of the eye and eye doctors in overall health is becoming even more significant.” 

Key highlights from the interactive digital report include: 

1. There is growing interest in the adoption of oculomics. While 87 percent of providers are not familiar with the term “oculomics,” 57 percent of surveyed doctors said they are already providing health insights beyond eye health. Additionally, 70 percent either strongly agreed or agreed that providing health insights beyond eye health can significantly enhance patient care. 

2. Patients are eager to receive more health insights and data from their optometrist. 92 percent of VSP Vision Care members surveyed either strongly agree or agree that eye exams can provide valuable health information beyond just eye health, and 82 percent are either comfortable or very comfortable with receiving these insights from their optometrist. 

3. A growing number of startups are advancing the field of oculomics. The report highlights 15 early-stage companies that are leveraging AI-enabled diagnostic solutions to handheld fundus cameras and smart glasses to reveal insights into systemic health conditions and diseases. One company highlighted is Toku Eyes™, developer of BioAge, a biological assessment tool, and CLAiR, a cardiovascular risk screening solution. Toku secured FDA breakthrough designation for its MyKidneyAI technology in 2024. 

4. Oculomics is a promising field with the potential to elevate the role of eye care in the broader health care continuum. As the field takes off, there will be a focus on maturing foundational technology, meeting regulatory requirements, and building referral networks for oculomics to scale. 

“Oculomics is an emerging field that is still developing. As a leader in health-focused vision care, VSP is excited to explore the potential that oculomics offers for the future of eye care and overall healthcare,” added Yomtoubian. 

Explore the full, interactive report 

Learn more about the VSP Global Innovation Center 

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