Advancing AI Applications in Ophthalmology

In this context, Saigon Medical Group, Topcon Healthcare (Japan), and DKSH Vietnam have officially signed a strategic partnership, marking an important step forward in bringing AI applications in ophthalmology into real-world diagnostics and treatment.

Representatives of Saigon Medical Group, Topcon Healthcare, and DKSH Vietnam signing a strategic partnership agreement in Tokyo, Japan, this past October. Photo: Saigon Medical Group

The ophthalmology sector currently faces a pressing demand for modern technologies to address the growing incidence of complex conditions such as refractive errors, macular degeneration, cataracts, and especially diabetic eye complications. Therefore, the collaboration among the three parties is seen as an important milestone, paving the way for bringing the world’s most advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions into Vietnam, toward building a smarter and more sustainable ophthalmic ecosystem.

The technology ecosystem from Topcon Healthcare will be transferred and directly applied to the Saigon Eye Hospital system, forming the foundation for a “smart hospital” model. The philosophy of “smart imaging – smart workflow – smart outcomes” goes beyond equipment installation, aiming to restructure the entire eye-care process based on data and advanced analytics.

Mr. Huynh Le Duc – CEO of Saigon Medical Group – during a visit to Topcon Healthcare in Tokyo. Photo: Saigon Medical Group

Mr. Huynh Le Duc, CEO of Saigon Medical Group, emphasized the goal of building a seamless, patient-centered eye-care process supported by the latest technologies, ensuring that technology and medical expertise complement one another for optimal treatment outcomes.

AI technology and integrated data

The core of the collaboration lies in integrating Topcon Healthcare’s digital platforms and AI solutions into clinical examination and diagnostic workflows. Advanced diagnostic devices such as OCT, fundus photography, corneal topography, and ocular biometry will be synchronized through a unified data management system, giving ophthalmologists a comprehensive view of each patient’s eye condition and enabling more accurate disease monitoring.

Topcon Healthcare’s AI will also be applied to retinal image analysis, supporting early screening and detection of complex retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, helping reduce subjective diagnostic errors and significantly shortening evaluation time.

According to Mr. Leo Nagatake, Managing Director of Topcon Healthcare SEA, this partnership reflects Topcon’s long-term commitment to transforming eye-care workflows in Vietnam. The end-to-end integration of imaging, data, and AI is expected to create a more intelligent ophthalmic environment that benefits both clinicians and patients.

Commitment to elevating professional quality to international standards

Leaders of Saigon Medical Group, Topcon Healthcare, and DKSH Vietnam at the strategic partnership signing ceremony. Photo: Saigon Medical Group

In addition to its technological significance, the partnership also carries deep social value. The deployment of integrated technologies at the Saigon Eye Hospital system, supported by DKSH Vietnam’s operational expertise, demonstrates a shared commitment to improving community eye health.

Professionally, the collaboration helps standardize diagnostic and treatment procedures, enhance accuracy and surgical safety, and strengthen research and training capabilities for Vietnamese ophthalmologists. Strategically, it represents a strong push for the transfer and adoption of global medical technologies into Vietnam, contributing to narrowing the technological gap with the world.

Mr. Ankur Pandey, Vice President of DKSH Vietnam’s Healthcare Business Unit, affirmed that the partnership is a clear example of combining global technological innovation with medical expertise to expand access to quality eye-care services for patients across the country.

Experts believe that the strategic alliance among Saigon Medical Group, Topcon Healthcare, and DKSH Vietnam demonstrates a united commitment to a future where everyone has the opportunity to receive the best possible vision care. This collaboration marks a new chapter in the journey of applying AI in ophthalmology, contributing to redefining quality standards in Vietnam’s eye-care sector.