In 2006, De Leon contacted a small iris identification company in Chantilly, Virginia.

CNN: At Bronx clinic, the eyes are windows to medical records

Such iris identification technology is usually seen in international airports to allow registered passengers to fast-track through passport checks and immigration.

CNN: At Bronx clinic, the eyes are windows to medical records

Urban Health Plan, which serves mostly the uninsured and underserved, fully integrated iris identification to match patients to their medical records in 2009.

CNN: At Bronx clinic, the eyes are windows to medical records

Dubbed the Next Generation Identification (NGI) program, the high-tech endeavor uses biometric data such as DNA analysis, iris scans and voice identification to track down folks with a criminal history.

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The clinic formed a partnership with the company Eye Controls to develop a more user-friendly model, consisting of a handheld iris camera and software to reduce identification errors.

CNN: At Bronx clinic, the eyes are windows to medical records

To approve applicants, the TSA requires fingerprints and iris scans along with multiple forms of identification like driver's licenses and passports.

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In addition, the FBI could soon start comparing people's eyes -- specifically the iris, or the colored part of an eye -- as part of its new biometrics program called Next Generation Identification.

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