This exciting technology is aimed at detecting and monitoring eye disease at a very early stage. The first clinical studies will involve the leading causes of blindness – Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy.
Research teams from the Medical Devices Unit – a specialist medical technology centre within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde – and the Dunfermline-based company Optos in partnership with academics from the Universities of Strathclyde and Kent Universities – are collaborating on a new device that will put them at the forefront of the fight to detect early vision loss.
The teams are developing a new laser technology which will be able to monitor the function of the cells in the eye.
Alexander Weir, Technical Operations Manager at the Medical Devices Unit, said: “It is critical that the NHS works closely with partners, both in the development of new technology and in the delivery of robust clinical evidence, to ensure that we can provide effective solutions for the NHS.”
The teams are working with colleagues in the specialist NHS centre for eye research at the Glasgow Centre for Ophthalmic Research to deliver the new technology.
Dr Graeme Williams, one of the Consultant Ophthalmologists working with the Glasgow Centre, commented: “I am really excited about this innovative research which could provide early detection of sight threatening disease, allowing for more effective management of the conditions.”
Derek Swan, Senior Director of Research at Optos, added: “We recognise the value of innovative imaging technology in the detection and management of eye disease. This initiative aims to introduce significant enhancements in imaging technology, offering the prospect of detecting those diseases at a much earlier stage. We also welcome this collaborative approach to research, enhancing the efficiency and delivery of clinically demonstrated, cutting edge technologies to the NHS.”
Dr Keith Mathieson, Director of the University of Strathclyde’s Institute of Photonics, said: “Visual loss presents a huge medical challenge that, with an ageing population, is continuing to grow. Partnerships involving universities, industry and the public sector have an important role in developing innovative, practical solutions, essential to the treatment and monitoring of these debilitating conditions.”
Clinical trials of the new technology are due to be completed by early 2017. A successful outcome will see a further £9million invested to develop a fully licensed medical device by the end of 2018.
Welcoming the news of the development is Mr Ross Kerr, 72, from Fife.
Ross, who is married with two children, was originally diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1984.To help maintain his health to avoid complications due to diabetes Ross attends a six-monthly diabetes check. It was at one of these appointments that a problem was identified with one of his eyes in 1996.
Although these eye-problems were mild to start with, Ross went onto require laser treatment in 2002 and 2008 for diabetic macular oedema. He was then treated with intravitreal injections in 2013 and thankfully it has improved his sight in the affected eye.
Ross said: “This development is really exciting. Most people receive their eye check-ups in their local communities or at their local clinic so if there is some new technology available which will help detect problems earlier then this can only be a good thing.
“Technology is always improving so it is great news to hear that the NHS is working alongside technology companies to come up with new devices for the NHS which could make such a difference to people’s health.
“From experience I know that the earlier eye problems are detected then the earlier you can get the right treatment to hopefully stop it getting worse or even reverse the damage.”
Links
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: ‘Major funding announced to develop new technology to detect sight threatening disease’
University of Kent
Innovate UK