SCONe: Unlocking the retina

The Scottish Collaborative Optometry-Ophthalmology Network e-research (SCONe) is a new collaborative venture aiming to curate, classify and mine retinal images across Scotland (figure 1). SCONe is currently recruiting optometrists and ophthalmologists in Scotland to join the network to spearhead the improvement of eye healthcare services, teaching and clinical research. The SCONe project was conceived by Professor Baljean Dhillon (The University of Edinburgh, figure 2) and Professor Niall Strang (Glasgow Caledonian University) where they have established a steering group with representation from academia, Scottish Government, charities, patient representatives, Public Health and Caldicott Guardian. Feasibility for SCONe is being funded by the Chief Scientist Office, RS MacDonald Trust, Sight Scotland Veterans, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation.