JHS Study

Key information about this research study

AiZtech, a Canadian deep tech company, has developed a new technology that may detect active infection of COVID-19 from Selfie images. Due to the current COVID-19 global pandemic, AiZtech is investigating a novel COVID-19 screening tool. This possible new method of screening will use selfie photos to detect changes in the eye made by the COVID-19 virus (ocular manifestations) using machine learning tools.

During this investigation, you will be asked to complete a package of questionnaires, to take 4 selfie photos of your eyes in various directions and to upload your COVID-19 positive Antigen or PCR test to a secure server within 24 hours of taking the test.

Inclusion Criteria

Age between 18 and 90 years of age and JHS employees or residents of Miami Dade County.
A positive at-home COVID-19 test (either Antigen or PCR (rapid or standard)).
Able to understand, read, and write in the study consent materials.
Smartphone with 5 Mpx resolution and internet access.
Ability to perform a home antigen test.

Exclusion Criteria

Wearing contact lenses or glasses at the time of the iSelfie test.
History of corneal trauma within a year prior to the first iSelfie test.
History of ocular surgery within a year prior to the first iSelfie test, including LASIK eye surgery.
Use of eye drops, eye ointments, or any other eye medication applied to the surface of the eye within 30 minutes prior to administering the iSelfie test. Artificial tears are exempt from this criterion. Cataract patients and Glaucoma patients are exempt from this criterion provided they have no current ocular surgical history.
Current use of steroid ophthalmic drops (within 24 hours).
Intensive care unit (ICU) admission in the last 14 days.
History of diseases associated with ocular surface disorders except for those who have had Cataract surgery and those who have Glaucoma.
Concurrent use of antiviral medication currently Paxlovid (ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir) and molnupiravir.

Compensation

Once the photos and your COVID-19 positive Antigen or PCR test are successfully uploaded you will be compensated via an electronic gift card. You will be compensated $75 USD for your participation in this study study (it is optional to take an extra 4 photos (8 photos total) with the back camera and be compensated with a $100 USD gift card instead).

What happens to the information collected for the research?

AiZtech Inc. and the study site will do their best to limit the use or disclosure of your personal information, including information from this research study, to people who have a need to review this information. Records identifying you will be kept confidential and, to the extent permitted by the applicable laws and/or regulations, will not be made publicly available. If the results of the study are published, your identity will remain confidential.