Optos receives 2007 Queen's Award for Enterprise
11.05.2007
LONDON, UK, 11 May 2007 – Optos plc (LSE: OPTS), a leading medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of retinal imaging devices, has received the 2007 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade.
Companies in the international trade category must demonstrate continuous outstanding growth in overseas earnings over at least a three year period. For the three year period ended 30 September 2006, the Company had total turnover of $145.9 million of which approximately 95% was generated in overseas sales.
Optos’ technology assists healthcare practitioners in the early detection and diagnosis of both eye and non-eye disease, which often first exhibit in the periphery of the retina, by producing a digital ultra wide-field image of up to approximately 82% of the retina compared to conventional examination techniques which produce upwards of 5% in a single capture.
“We know that the standards required to win a Queen’s Award for Enterprise are extremely high,” said Thomas W. Butts, Chief Executive Officer, Optos plc. “The Award exemplifies the excellent work being carried out by our employees and reflects the confidence our customers have in our technology for helping them deliver a higher standard of healthcare.”
The Award is made each year by The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives from Government, industry and commerce.
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Enquiries:
Optos plc
John McNeil, Director of Communications and Assistant Company Secretary +44 (0) 1383 843 337
+44 (0) 7870 240 325
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Kevin Smith/Yvonne Alexander +44 (0)20 7638 9571
Notes 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. The Company has recently gained regulatory clearance (CE and FDA 510(k)) to market a second device - P200MA. 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 estimates that its P200 device is targeting a recurring US$2 billion market opportunity. For the year ended 30 September 2006 Optos had revenues of US$67.7 million and 232 employees with an installed base of 2,593 P200 devices in its existing markets in North America and Europe. Optos plc is headquartered in Dunfermline, Scotland and was admitted to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange on 15 February 2006 trading under the symbol OPTS.
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.
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.