Introducing Toku Eyes
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global health concern, often progressing silently until later stages and taking a tremendous toll on patients and their families. Traditional methods for CKD diagnosis rely on invasive procedures, such as kidney biopsies or blood tests, which can be a costly and uncomfortable barrier to early detection.
Toku Eyes have developed MyKidneyAI, a platform that detects CKD using AI to interpret retinal images taken during routine eye exams. This non-invasive approach dramatically reduces patient discomfort and encourages earlier testing. This more affordable and community-focused approach contributes toward equitable healthcare delivery globally.
Who are Toku Eyes
Toku Eyes was established in 2019 by its co-founders, Associate Professor Ehsan Vaghefi and Dr David Squirrell, who are both experts in the field of Ophthalmology. Ehsan’s father lost his sight due to congenital glaucoma. From an early age Ehsan knew he wanted to help those in a similar situation to his father and held an active interest in technology and how it could help patients.
Since spinning out from the University of Auckland, Toku Eyes have launched two AI innovations, using retinal imagery to diagnose patients. BioAge determines a person’s biological age, which can give an indication of their overall health and CLAiR delivers real-time, non-invasive cardiovascular risk assessments.
MyKidneyAI further builds on the principle that the eye is the window to future health, ensuring that CKD is detected early to significantly improve patient outcomes.
Benefits to the innovation ecosystem
Toku Eyes is proposing workshops which hold immense potential to catalyse positive change within the New Zealand Innovation Ecosystem. These workshops will be delivered by Toku top management team and will cover ecosystem connectivity, regulatory compliance, integrating with existing frameworks and cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
As a company founded and led by individuals from underrepresented communities, the Toku Eyes team have a deep understanding of the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. They will expand their New Zealand team, prioritising the recruitment of talented individuals from underrepresented communities. They will establish mentorship programs, training initiatives, and community outreach efforts to support the growth and development of our team members and promote diversity in the tech industry.
The company has been working with public and private stakeholders and decision makers in health organisations, government and innovation industries to establish a thriving healthcare AI ecosystem. Professor Vaghefi has been a vocal and influential advocate for the MedTech industry. This grant will further assist Toku's efforts raising the profile of the MedTech industry within the New Zealand innovation ecosystem.
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