An estimated 43 million people worldwide are blind and 2.2 billion have a visual impairment. More than half of these cases, it is said, stem from preventable or treatable causes that go untreated because people have no access to eye care.
OUI Inc., a university-born venture founded by an ophthalmologist from Keio University, developed the Smart Eye Camera, an eye-care device that attaches to a smartphone, to tackle this problem. Combining a remote diagnosis platform, AI and cooperation with local health workers, it is working to build a new, inclusive model of eye care in Japan and in 60 countries around the world.
At this meeting, the speaker is expected to talk about where OUI Inc.’s work stands now and where it is headed, as well as the challenges and outlook that have emerged along the way. Mr. Nakayama worked at the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, JICA, Mitsubishi Corporation and Crossfields before joining OUI Inc. in 2019. He speaks Japanese, English, Spanish and French, and is a researcher at the Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine.
Key points
- Much of the world’s blindness comes from causes that could be prevented or treated with access to eye care
- A smartphone-based eye device, remote diagnosis and AI: a new model of eye care in Japan and 60 countries
- Hybrid event in Toranomon and on Zoom. Registration closes Monday, November 9
Why we recommend this event
A chance to hear a concrete case of a university-born venture tackling health inequality around the world through technology and local partnerships. For anyone interested in where business meets international cooperation, stories from the front line are instructive.
The meeting is a regular learning forum on corporate and development collaboration, now in its 163rd session. With both in-person and online options, it is easy to join from far away.
Editor's comment
In international cooperation news, how companies can support health and medicine is drawing attention. This looks like a valuable chance to hear, in the field’s own words, about a challenge to widen the world’s ability to see through a single device.
Registration closes on Monday, November 9. If it caught your eye, take a look at the application form early.