Topcon announces launch of IDHea

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Topcon Healthcare recently announced the launch of the Institute of Digital Health (IDHea) for the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) research and digital health innovation.¹

IDHea is an ocular data-as-a-service platform providing access to real-world and clinical trial datasets, aimed at helping the advancement in healthcare applications that improve clinical outcomes in both ocular and systemic diseases.

“We established IDHea to accelerate development of AI-powered clinical decision support systems and oculomics, the science of analyzing ocular data to identify, diagnose, and manage ocular and systemic disease,” said Julia Coelho, vice president of data and digital strategy for Topcon, in a press release.

The application of AI models to imaging data from the eye to facilitate detection and management, IDHea is part of Topcon’s Heathcare from the Eye initiative. IDHea offers actionable insights through AI-powered analytics and helps to bridge the gap between data and discovery.

Topcon described IDHea as being built on the FAST principle, meaning:

1. Fast – providing rapid access to a vast repository of real-world and clinical trial ocular data
2. Accessible – data available at anytime and anywhere through a secure cloud-based infrastructure
3. Safe – the platform adheres to industry-standard practices for privacy and security for a safe and trustworthy data environment
4. Transparent – each data request undergoes rigorous review by an independent data access and governance committee following established and publicly accessible policies.

Researchers also can gain access to specialized expertise and resources that accelerate AI development through the Topcon Healthcare Innovation Center (THINK).1 The IDHea launch is supported by strategic data partners Illinois College of Optometry, Keplr Vision, New England College of Optometry, New View Optometric Center, and Visionworks.

“Topcon Healthcare’s motivation to facilitate broad access to ocular data is an important first step towards accelerating data standardization,” said Anthony Khawaja, PhD, chair of the independent data access and governance committee, in a press release. “Such an initiative will significantly reduce the current limitations for innovation that the proprietary formats of ophthalmic data impose.”

Strategic launch of Cascader Limited

Additionally, Topcon has joined a strategic partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (IoO) for the launch of Cascader Limited.²

Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), Cascader is a new medical technology company that aims to transform the detection and management of eye disease. Cascader also builds on the growing field of Oculomics – using advanced retinal imaging to identify insights into systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and dementia, according to the press release.²

“We are proud to support the founding of Cascader,” said Peter Ridley, Chief Executive of Moorfields Eye Hospital, in a press release. “This new venture represents the next step in our commitment to translating world-class research into tangible benefits for patients and the NHS.”

This partnership between these global leaders in the ophthalmic field will utilize the AI research and translation knowledge of Moorfields and UCL IoO and the technical advancements of TopCon Healthcare. UCL Business (UCLB) also played an instrumental role in the set-up of Cascader.

Headquartered in London, Cascader’s long-term mission is to develop a portfolio of AI tools to support earlier and more accurate detection of eye diseases. Its initial focus will be on macular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This work builds on landmark work led by Moorfields and UCL IoO including the 2016 collaboration with Google DeepMind and the development of RETFound – the first foundation model in ophthalmology – published in Nature in 2023.

“Topcon is thrilled to partner with Moorfields and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology on this groundbreaking initiative. Cascader reflects our shared vision of how AI and ocular data can reshape eyecare and enable new frontiers in precision medicine,” said Ali Tafreshi, Chief Executive Officer of Topcon Healthcare, said in a press release. “This collaboration supports the broader mission of connecting ocular data to better health outcomes – both within eyecare and beyond.”

Led by Moorfields, INSIGHT Health Data Research Hub will support Cascader. INSIGHT is the world’s largest ophthalmic imaging bioresource, comprised of more than 35 million retinal images linked to clinical metadata and enables secure, anonymized data access for approved researchers – further supported by AI infrastructure, curation services, and active patient involvement.

“At Cascader, our mission is to turn cutting-edge research into clinically robust, scalable solutions that improve lives,” said. Ege Ilicak, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Cascader.

“With deep experience in medical engineering, we’re focused on ensuring that our AI-driven tools meet the highest quality and regulatory standards, while integrating seamlessly into real-world workflows – supporting professionals and empowering patients.

Reference:

1. jgrodriguez. Topcon Healthcare Launches IDHea^TM to Fuel AI and Digital Health Innovation from the Eye. Topcon Healthcare. Published May 6, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://topconhealthcare.com/article/topcon-healthcare-launches-idhea-to-fuel-ai-and-digital-health-innovation-from-the-eye/

2. jgrodriguez. Moorfields Eye Hospital, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Topcon Healthcare, Inc. launch Cascader Limited to advance AI-driven eyecare and Oculomics. Topcon Healthcare. Published May 6, 2025. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://topconhealthcare.com/article/moorfields-eye-hospital-ucl-institute-of-ophthalmology-and-topcon-healthcare-inc-launch-cascader-limited-to-advance-ai-driven-eyecare-and-oculomics/ ‌