Contact:
Karen Whelan, Public Relations & Practice Marketing Specialist
508-787-1461
kwhelan@optos.com
Ceremony Photos:
Image caption: Thomas W. Butts (right), shaking hands with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
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Optos Awarded 2007 Queen’s Award for Enterprise
14.08.2007
MARLBOROUGH, MA, August 14, 2007 – Optos, a leading medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of retinal imaging devices, received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise under the category of International Trade. The award was presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to Optos’ Chief Executive Officer, Thomas W. Butts, at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, July 18, 2007.
“We know that the standards required to win this Award are extremely high, and it exemplifies the excellent work being carried out by our employees,” said Mr. Butts, Chief Executive Officer, Optos plc. “It also reflects the confidence our customers around the world have in our technology for helping them deliver a higher standard of health care.”
Optos’ technology assists health care practitioners in the early detection and diagnosis of both eye and non-eye disease, which often first exhibit in the retina, by producing a digital ultra-widefield image of up to approximately 82% of the retina compared to conventional examination techniques which produce a narrowfield view upwards of only 5%.
Winners are required to have achieved outstanding results in their respective fields over a sustained period. Companies in the International Trade category are recognized for demonstrated continuous outstanding growth in overseas earnings sustained over a period of time that is no less than three years. The Award is made each year by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, on the advice of the British Prime Minister, who is assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives from Government, industry and commerce, and trade unions.
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.
The Company has gained regulatory clearance (CE and FDA 510(k)) to market a second device - P200MA. The P200MA is aimed at the specialist ophthalmic and medical as opposed to the primary care market. It is designed to produce an angiographic retinal image called optomap® fa that supports medical procedures by providing enhanced diagnostic, monitoring and treatment capabilities. 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 estimates that its P200 device is targeting a recurring US$2 billion market opportunity. As at 30 September 2006 Optos had 232 employees serving more than 2,500 customers in the Company’s existing markets, currently the USA, Canada, UK and Germany. 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.
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.