Groundbreaking AI App Developed by Ashesi Graduate Revolutionizes Cataract Screening in Ghana

Ashesi University graduate Nicole Nanka Bruce has developed an AI-powered mobile app for cataract screening with 95% accuracy, making eye care accessible in Ghana. Learn more about this innovative solution.

A promising solution to cataract blindness in Ghana has emerged, thanks to 24-year-old Nicole Nanka Bruce, a computer science graduate from Ashesi University. Recognizing cataracts as the leading cause of blindness in Ghana, Nicole developed an AI-powered mobile app that enables users to perform accurate home screenings for cataracts with a remarkable 95% precision.

Nicole, part of Ashesi University’s Class of 2024, saw the urgent need for accessible and affordable cataract screening tools. She embarked on extensive research to understand how AI could be leveraged to address this widespread problem. Her innovative approach led to the creation of the mobile app using Flutter, ensuring its availability across Android and iOS platforms.

In a video shared on Ashesi University’s LinkedIn page, Nicole explained that the app utilizes a convolutional neural network (CNN), a model that mimics the human brain in making predictions. “I chose to use the convolutional network model, which mimics the human brain, in making predictions,” she stated. Nicole trained the AI model through an iterative process, refining it for improved accuracy using several datasets.

One of the app’s standout features is its cost-effectiveness, making it accessible to the general public and medical professionals alike. The app is designed to provide a convenient and accurate screening tool for individuals at home, as well as for healthcare professionals conducting outreach programs.

“My project provides a cost-effective and accessible screening tool for the layperson and medical offices during outreach programs. It also aims to raise awareness about the need to be health-conscious and seek timely treatment,” she said.

To further refine the application, Nicole conducted a small-scale user study involving eye doctors, ophthalmologists, and optometrists. Their feedback was crucial in improving the app’s interface and accessibility, ensuring a seamless experience for users.

Nicole Nanka Bruce’s AI-powered cataract screening app is a game-changer in the field of eye care, providing an accessible solution to a major public health issue in Ghana.