Juraj Timkovič

I am primarily motivated by my passion for modern computing methods and their potential applications in medicine.

Juraj Timkovič, MD, PhD, is the Head of the Centre for Children with Visual Impairment and Deputy Head of the Clinic of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic. He is also an Assistant Professor at the Department of Craniofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Juraj Timkovič, MD, PhD., is the Head of the Centre for Children with Visual Impairment and Deputy Head of the Clinic of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic. He also serves as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Craniofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava. Dr. Timkovič earned his PhD in Pediatric Ophthalmology from Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. His research and publications focus primarily on pediatric ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology, with a particular emphasis on diagnosing, treating and providing follow-up care for infants with retinopathy of prematurity.

In his recent research, Dr. Timkovič explores the potential of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology, particularly its application in automatically detecting and analyzing fundus changes in prematurely born infants, leveraging the critical role of imaging systems in eye disease diagnosis.
 

The retinal image dataset of infants and retinopathy of prematurity

Artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of our daily lives and plays a very important role in ophthalmology due to the heavy reliance on imaging systems for diagnosing eye diseases. Dr. Timkovič’s research project, Retinal Image Dataset of Infants and Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), leverages artificial intelligence for the automatic detection and analysis of fundus changes in prematurely born infants. The study presents a unique, high-resolution dataset comprising 6,004 retinal images from 188 newborns, along with anonymized patient data from ROP screenings at the University Hospital Ostrava in the Czech Republic. 

Labeled by two independent ophthalmologic experts and designed for machine processing using Python and standard libraries like Pandas, the dataset fills a critical gap in available imaging resources. By facilitating computer-aided diagnostic methods, the research aims to improve the screening and diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity, reduce waiting times, and extend high-quality care to remote areas, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Finding balance in innovation and care

Dr. Juraj Timkovič is driven by his passion for modern computing methods and their applications in medicine. He finds great satisfaction in continuously expanding his knowledge, meeting new people and exploring innovative approaches in his field. However, he firmly believes that maintaining a balance between personal and professional life is essential for sustained success. Time spent with friends and engaging in leisure activities provides him with energy, second only to the unwavering support of his family.

Growing up in a family of a general practitioner, Dr. Timkovič was inspired by his father’s dedication to medicine, which ultimately influenced his decision to become a doctor. While his initial path was not specifically directed toward pediatric ophthalmology, a shortage of young specialists in the field during his residency sparked his interest, leading him to dedicate his career to improving the care of children with visual impairments.