A Framework for Healthcare from the Eye: Oculomics as a Powerful Window to Systemic Health

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Health Informatics
• Integrative Health Systems
• Biomedical Data Science

Background:

• Oculomics leverages ocular data for assessing both eye and systemic health.
• Current healthcare models often lack integrated approaches for utilizing comprehensive ocular health information.
• There is a growing need for frameworks that bridge ophthalmology with primary and population health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a comprehensive framework for integrating oculomics into coordinated healthcare delivery.
• To guide the scalable and ethical implementation of oculomics in clinical practice.
• To facilitate a shift towards proactive and personalized patient care using ocular insights.

Main Methods:

• A conceptual framework developed from scientific evidence, clinical practices, and expert consensus.
• Narrative synthesis evaluating advances in ocular imaging, AI, and care coordination.
• Incorporation of implementation insights from early oculomics programs.

Main Results:

• Oculomics aids early disease identification, risk stratification, and monitoring when integrated with EHRs and other health data.
• Early implementations show improved diagnostic yield, care coordination, and potential efficiencies.
• Responsible deployment necessitates ethical data use, transparent AI, and attention to equity and interoperability.

Conclusions:

• The "Healthcare from the Eye" framework structures oculomics integration into routine care.
• This approach enables a transition from reactive to proactive, continuous, and personalized health management.
• The framework supports earlier detection, streamlined care pathways, and population health initiatives.