Optos receives techMARK Technology Innovation of the Year Award 2007
29.11.2007
LONDON, UK, 29 November 2007 – Optos plc (LSE: OPTS), a leading medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of retinal imaging devices, today announced that it has received the Technology Innovation of the Year Award at the 2007 techMARK Awards.
techMARK is the specially developed international segment of the London Stock Exchange's Main Market, designed for companies at the forefront of innovative technology. The techMARK awards, now in its eighth year, is an initiative developed to actively promote the development of techMARK companies in order to encourage innovation in the UK economy and recognise achievement and reward success. Other nominated companies in the Technology Innovation of the Year Award category included: BATM Advanced Communications Ltd, Corin Group plc and Wolfson Microelectronics plc.
Optos received the Technology Innovation of the Year Award for developing proprietary scanning laser technology that produces a digital, ultra wide-field image of the retina. The technology enables the early-stage detection and diagnosis of eye conditions and diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal holes/retinal tears and age-related macular degeneration. Retinal scanning can also indicate evidence of non-eye diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. In a quarter of second, Optos’s technology produces a high-resolution image of approximately 82% of the retina in a single capture. Conventional examination techniques typically produce upwards of 5% in a single capture.
“Innovation drives our business and we are honoured that our efforts have been recognised by such a prestigious award” said Thomas W. Butts, Chief Executive Officer. “Our technology helps healthcare practitioners keep patients healthier longer, which reduces hospitalisations and the increased costs associated with chronic care.”
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Enquiries
Optos plc |
+44 (0)1383 843 337 |
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John McNeil, Director of Communications & Assistant Company Secretary |
+44 (0)7870 240 325 |
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Citigate Dewe Rogerson |
+44 (0)20 7638 9571 |
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Kevin Smith/ Yvonne Alexander |
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Note to Editors
Optos plc
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[R] 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 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 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.