Optos Project Profile

Innovation Centre for Sensor & Imaging Systems

www.censis.org.uk

Sensing new imaging technologies for the eye care market Partners:Optos plc CENSISUniversity of Glasgow

Project Profile

The ChallengeOptos, a leading medical technology company which develops retinal imaging devices, has raised the bar of scanning laser ophthalmoscopy with its ultra-widefield, high resolution digital images (optomaps) which provide a single image of up to 82% of the retina, something no other device is capable of doing. In retinal care, image quality and high patient throughputs are the major features of retinal cameras and SLOs. An optomap by Optos captures up to 82% of a patient’s retina in less than a second. Being able to retain image quality with such a high speed of image capture is technically demanding, and researchers in the company are always looking to improve this functionality in the Optos technology.This collaborative project sees Optos working with the University of Glasgow whose research will advance the state-of-the-art in ophthalmic imaging, in order to take the company’s optical performance to the next level.

The OpportunityThere is currently no deployable or affordable solution in the eye care market which can correct complex image warping, meaning that in-depth eye health diagnostics are limited, or prohibitively expensive. By exploring the limits of ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmic cameras, Optos plc could provide another breakthrough in its field, potentially changing the way optical imaging is undertaken worldwide, and furthering its market leading position as the imaging company with the highest quality and largest view of the retina. This might also make complex eye exams more accessible to remote locations and the developing world. The University of Glasgow’s specialist Imaging Concepts Group is a world leader in imaging systems, retinal imaging and the application of Spatial-Light Modulators (SLMs) in a range of fields including aberration mitigation. By working with Optos on this project, the academic group will consolidate relationships with a key local company of growing scale and extend its expertise and exploitation track records.

‘Our aim is to remain the market leader in scanning laser ophthalmoscopes for eye health care, and to continually push the boundaries of what is possible with our technology for the benefit of our customers and their patients. This research partnership – where we will also be benefitting from the University of Glasgow’s cutting-edge computational imaging capabilities – will enable us to do that.’

Alex Warnock Chief Operating Officer, Optos plc

PROJECT VALUE:

£200,000 (12 months)

INDUSTRY / APPLICATION

Healthcare - Global Ophthalmic market

POTENTIAL VALUE OF MARKET:

£18 billion by 2018 (from $13 billion in 2012)

The PartnershipWorking together, The University of Glasgow and Optos will investigate, explore and propose new techniques to further mitigate aberrations that may exist in this technically demanding process. The objective of this project is to propose a workable, human-ready solution which Optos can take forward in its own research and development (R&D). Both parties expect success to lead to significant further collaboration in the exploitation and deployment phases of this work as well as giving Optos the confidence to engage the academic partners more closely in its R&D strategy.

CENSIS InterventionCENSIS has contributed £50,000 to a joint project between the University’s specialist Imaging Concepts Group and Optos’ Research department to test the possibilities of increasing the scope and image quality of scanning laser ophthalmoscopes. The Innovation Centre will also provide ongoing advice and mentorship as the project progresses to research and development phase.

“Pushing the boundaries of modern scanning laser ophthalmoscopy”

CENSISTHE

UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

OPTOS PLC

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