Optos Launches New Device
16.04.2008
LONDON, UK, 16 April 2008 – Optos plc (LSE: OPTS), a leading medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of retinal imaging devices, is today announcing that it has launched a new retinal imaging device - the P200C. The device is designed to meet the need for more exacting clinical imaging capabilities and standards within the ophthalmology market and at optometric practices that are clinically managing a patient base with advanced ocular disease.
Key distinguishing features include directed eye steering that allows the doctor to obtain a set of images that extend beyond the normal field of view by potentially reaching the ora serrata, which marks the extreme limit or boundary of the retina. This is clinically accepted as being very difficult to observe with conventional examination techniques. An additional benefit is an ergonomic patient interface that uses automatic iris recognition which will improve practice productivity and image accuracy.
Optos has now commercialised a full range of complementary retinal imaging devices that support different customer segments and patient levels within the eye and healthcare market:
- P200 is concentrated on wellness screening carried out by optometrists and ophthalmologists;
- P200C in the advanced clinical optometry and ophthalmology markets;
- P200MA supports doctors through an advanced medical angiography procedure.
All three devices provide practitioners with the benefit of an ultra wide-field view of the retina, each facilitating the clinical detection, diagnosis and management of both eye and non-eye diseases.
Commenting on the benefits of the new device, Sanjeev Nath, MD, New York, NY, said: “The P200C will redefine ocular disease management by simultaneously delivering ultra high resolution and wide-field views which is ideal for managing patients with pathology. The images produced by the P200C are stellar with great image quality in the mid to very far periphery and with great resolution in the central pole.”
Thomas W. Butts, Chief Executive Officer, Optos plc, said:
“We are very pleased to have expanded our product offering in a way that responds uniquely and directly to practice and patient needs in general ophthalmology and advanced clinical optometry. Feedback from doctors on the ease of use and the clinical enhancement that the device confers has been extremely positive and we look forward to marketing the P200C primarily on a pay-per-patient basis to an estimated 10,000 addressable practice locations in our existing markets.”
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Enquiries
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John McNeil, Company Secretary +44 (0)1383 843 337
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Note to Editors
Optos plc is a leading and rapidly growing medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of devices that image the retina, the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye. Optos' platform technology is the Panoramic200 Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope device - known as the P200. In a quarter of a second the P200 device produces a high resolution image of up to 200 degrees or approximately 82 percent of the retina in a single capture. The image - branded the optomap® Retinal Exam - provides eye care practitioners with clinically useful information that facilitates the early detection of disorders and diseases evidenced in the retina, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Retinal imaging can also indicate evidence of non-eye or systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. Optos' technology provides an unequalled combination of wide-field retinal imaging, speed and convenience for both practitioner and patient and can help save sight and save lives. Optos is incorporated in Scotland under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number SC139953. The Company maintains its Registered Office at Queensferry House, Carnegie Business Campus, Dunfermline, Scotland KY11 8GR United Kingdom.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates and projections about its industry, its beliefs and assumptions. Words such as 'anticipates,' 'expects,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'believes,' 'seeks,' 'estimates,' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The Company cautions shareholders and prospective shareholders not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the view of the Company only as of the date of this announcement. The forward-looking statements made in this announcement relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. The Company will not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions or updates to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or unanticipated events occurring after the date of this announcement except as required by law or by any appropriate regulatory authority.