Kevin Choi’s life changed dramatically at 26 when a diagnosis of glaucoma cost him half his sight. That moment of reckoning spurred him and his doctor to launch Mediwhale, a South Korean healthtech start-up that’s using AI to spot diseases before symptoms appear.
Mediwhale’s technology performs non-invasive retinal scans to flag conditions affecting the heart, kidneys, and eyes. While the system is primarily used in South Korea, its reach now extends to hospitals in Dubai, Italy, and Malaysia. In September, the company rounded off a $12 million Series A2 funding round led by Korea Development Bank, setting the stage for further advancements.
Choi is a firm believer in the power of early detection. When it comes to so-called silent killers like heart and kidney diseases, quick, smart decisions can prevent long-term damage. Even for chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity, early screening can help avoid serious complications ranging from liver disease to heart problems or dementia.
By streamlining the triage process, Mediwhale’s AI helps distinguish patients who need immediate care from those who simply require routine monitoring. Its visual approach often prompts patients to take their health more seriously, bypassing the need for traditional tests like blood work and CT scans in certain screenings.
That said, Choi is clear that this technology is meant to support, not replace, medical professionals. While AI can quickly analyse large amounts of data, it can’t assess the full spectrum of a patient’s experience—details that only a trained doctor can address by considering matters such as lifestyle impacts and emotional wellbeing.
The story of Mediwhale is a compelling example of how AI can enhance healthcare, providing quicker insights while reaffirming the essential role of human expertise.
