With 2023 research suggesting 66 per cent of people susceptible to heart disease are unaware they are  at risk1, new optometry technology is breaking ground in the detection of potential heart issues through  the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

As a means of bridging the gap between eye care and general health care, Bupa Optical’s Microvascular  Health Assessment uses AI technology to detect underlying health problems and help customers better  understand whether they are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 

To date, the Microvascular Health Assessment has graded three per cent of customers whose heart  health risk rating has been assessed by the tool as ‘poor2’ with Bupa optometrists subsequently advising  them to see their doctor for possible further tests and discussions before many knew they may have a  health issue. 

Guneet Sawhney, Director Bupa Optical & Hearing said the test compares a patient’s eyes with a  database of retinal images in a matter of seconds to check for similarities to other conditions that may be  a signs of a potential heart issue through a detailed report. 

“The eye is a window into the heart and the only place in the body where people can get a direct, non invasive view of a person’s blood vessels which can tell a broad story about an individual’s current and  future health risks,” Guneet said. 

“Through our Microvascular Health Assessment tool, we’re extending routine eye tests into broader non invasive health checks which can be referred to a medical professional if any red flags come up. This  makes heart health monitoring more accessible for everyday Australians.”  

This advice is being reinforced in the lead-up to World Heart Day aimed at promoting better heart health  practices such as eating better, exercising more and regularly monitoring your health. Around the world  cardiovascular disease kills more than 20.5 million people every year3 and accounts for one in four  Australian deaths4. 

“We truly believe this technology, which is available as an add-on to a standard eye test, can help  customers better understand their underlying heart health,” Guneet said. 

For more information or to book an eye test at your nearest Bupa Optical store visit here

1 RACGP - At-risk Australians lack awareness about heart failure

2 March – September 2023 Bupa Optical customer data 

3 What is CVD? - World Heart Day (world-heart-federation.org) 

4 For Professionals | Heart Foundation

Bupa is an international healthcare group which has been committed to a purpose of helping people live longer,  healthier, happier lives and making a better world for more than 70 years. 

Bupa Asia Pacific operates in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, supporting about 7.3 million customers through  a broad range of health and care services including health insurance, aged care, dental, medical, optical and hearing  services.  

Employing more than 22,000 people in the region, we believe that we can make a real difference to the lives of  customers through our values, purpose and the way that we deliver personalised care. 

Over the past 17+ years we have invested more than AUD$36 million in partnerships and programs focused on  improving health of communities across Australia.