Moorfields, Topcon, IoO announce partnership launch of Cascader

(Image credit: ©Kaikoro/Adobe Stock)

In a strategic partnership, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (IoO), and Topcon Health recently announced the launch of Casacder Limited.¹

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.¹

“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. 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/