Australia’s 1001 Optometry has launched a world-first tool to scan a parent’s camera phone photos for early signs of myopia in their children.

The tool, Magnif-eye, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse the photos parents have stored in their camera rolls, looking for subtle indicators of undiagnosed myopia.

Importantly, Magnif-eye doesn’t store data or results. Photos are scanned on a secure Australian service and immediately discarded, without being viewed by any person, so family photos remain private, 1001 Optometry said.

Edward Lee, Retail and Optometry Director at 1001 Optometry, said the tool was developed to empower parents and promote proactive eye health and care.

“We know that every parent’s phone is a treasure trove of memories, filled with thousands of pictures of their children. That camera roll can be a powerful, preventative health tool,” he said.

“We want to start the conversation about myopia earlier and change the trajectory of children’s eye health in Australia by getting them into an optometrist’s chair sooner.”

Margaret Lam, the organisation’s Head of Optometry and Professional Services, stressed the clinical importance of early detection.

“As an optometrist, one of the most worrying trends we are seeing is the earlier onset of myopia in children. Early onset often means faster progression, which significantly increases the risk of more serious eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment later in life,” Dr Lam explained. “This tool is a vital first step.”

Magnif-eye is available at: magnifeye.1001optometry.com.au.