Hodd Barnes Dickins opticians to offer AI-powered retinal cardiovascular screening tech in UK first

By Published On: March 27, 2025Last Updated: May 19, 2025
Hodd Barnes Dickins opticians to offer AI-powered retinal cardiovascular screening tech in UK first

Hodd Barnes Dickins, a leading independent optician based in Holborn, is the first clinic in the UK to expand eye exams into a gateway for cardiovascular health with Dr.Noon CVD—an AI-powered retinal screening technology that assesses potential cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Traditionally, opticians have played a role in detecting cardiovascular risks by identifying retinal signs of conditions like hypertensive retinopathy, atherosclerosis, and other vascular abnormalities.

Now, AI technology is enhancing this capability, enabling opticians to provide even deeper health insights.

This groundbreaking, non-invasive technology transforms routine eye exams into life-saving health screenings by providing instant, AI-driven cardiovascular risk assessments—all from a simple retinal scan.

Dr.Noon CVD uses advanced artificial intelligence to analyse retinal vessel images, providing an AI-driven cardiovascular risk assessment.

By identifying key indicators linked to cardiovascular health, it helps detect potential risks earlier, supporting preventative care efforts in optometry.

The technology provides real-time risk insights without requiring blood tests, CT scans, or radiation exposure, making it a faster, safer, and cost-effective complement to traditional risk assessment methods.

Validated on global clinical datasets, Dr.Noon CVD matches the predictive accuracy of heart CT scans, but without the high costs or risks.

By integrating this AI-driven tool, opticians can expand their role in early risk detection, offering valuable insights that help guide patients toward further medical evaluation if needed.

The scalable, AI-driven tool is set to revolutionise cardiovascular diagnostics and improve patient outcomes worldwide.

Future developments will allow non-invasive assessments for other organs, such as kidney function.

Key Benefits for Customers:

· Instant, Painless Screening: Receive instant results, without blood tests or radiation.

· Early Detection Saves Lives: Identify cardiovascular risks early, before symptoms appear.

· Convenient & Comfortable: Perfect for individuals under 45 who haven’t had a heart check, offering a relaxed, non-threatening environment.

· Cutting-Edge Technology: Hodd Barnes Dickins uses the latest equipment, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), to provide the highest standard of eyecare.

Abbas Pirbhai, Optometrist and manager at Hodd Barnes Dickins, said: “The eyes are closely related to the heart, and as a provider of private care, it was essential for us to integrate Dr.Noon CVD into our practice.

This platform enhances our tailored visual solutions and ensures we offer comprehensive services for our patients.”

Hodd Barnes Dickins, with over 100 years of excellence in the heart of London, remains a pioneer in optometry, integrating AI-driven innovation into routine eye exams.

With the introduction of Dr.Noon CVD a routine eye exam at the clinic is an opportunity to protect overall health, and not just vision.

Powered by AI-driven retinal analysis, this cutting-edge technology enables instant cardiovascular screening, making life-changing health insights more accessible than ever.

By incorporating preventative healthcare into optometry, Hodd Barnes Dickins is empowering patients with valuable health insights while reinforcing the essential connection between eye health and overall well-being.

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