Optos Unveils New Ultra-Widefield Retinal Imaging Device for General Ophthalmologists and Vitreo-retinal Specialists

200Tx™ is the first imaging device using ultra-widefield autofluorescence that provides visualisation of cellular changes important in the management of AMD, diabetic retinopathy and other diseases

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LONDON, UK, and Chicago, IL – October 18, 2010 – Optos plc (LSE: OPTS), a leading medical retinal imaging company, today unveils the 200Tx™, its newest ultra-widefield retinal imaging device.  Designed specifically for general ophthalmologists and vitreo-retinal specialists the device supports the diagnosis, analysis, documentation and monitoring of ocular pathology in the periphery of the retina.  The Optos 200Tx was exhibited for the first time at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting taking place this week in Chicago, IL, and will be launched in Q1 2011.

The 200Tx is the first imaging device that provides visualisation of ultra-widefield autofluorescence changes to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the pigmented cell layer just outside the neurosensory retina that nourishes retinal visual cells. The study of such cellular changes is important in the management of diseases such as age related macular degeneration (AMD).  The 200Tx offers multiple wavelength imaging including options for colour, red-free, fluorescein angiography and autofluorescence, each of which can reveal different pathologies.  The device also provides simultaneous pole to periphery views of more than 80% or 200 degrees of the retina in a single capture, helping physicians discover evidence of disease and guide treatment decisions. 

A promising study in AMD led by Srinivas Sadda M.D., of the Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California using the 200Tx device was recently presented at the American Academy of Retina Specialists Meeting.  The study found that 76% of eyes in patients with AMD had peripheral abnormalities, and the addition of auto-fluorescence capability to retinal scanning technologies was seen to aid in the detection of AMD.

 “The 200Tx is a revolutionary retinal imaging system that provides a unique view of the periphery where evidence of diseases such as AMD and diabetic retinopathy may be first present,” said Dr. Sadda. “I believe this device will provide a better understanding of the importance of changes in the periphery of the retina and how these relate to the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.” 

The 200Tx device was also used in a study titled “Ultra-widefield Angiography Significantly Improves Detection and Classification of Diabetic Retinopathy,” which was presented at the AAO meeting.  The study, led by Dr Szilard Kiss, found ultra-widefield angiography significantly improves the visualisation of retinal pathology, influences classification of diabetic retinopathy and impacts follow-up management of diabetic patients.  Dr. Kiss commented: “I couldn’t imagine taking care of my diabetic patients, from diagnosis, through treatment to follow-up, without the information provided through Optos 200Tx widefield angiography.  At every step in the management of my diabetic patients the information provided by Optos imaging is invaluable.”

The 200Tx will also be used to determine the frequency and significance of peripheral retinal abnormalities as part of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), which is being conducted to determine methods of slowing the progression of vision loss from AMD. 

The 200Tx device, manufactured at Optos’ facility in Scotland, will be available for sale in early 2011. The device will be sold through a range of business models, from pay-per-patient rental agreements to outright capital sale.

Roy Davis, CEO of Optos, commented:  “Optos is dedicated to providing eye care professionals and their patients with the most advanced retinal imaging technologies to aid in the accurate diagnoses of diseases and help guide treatment decisions.  Through our work with leading researchers we have further proven the value our technology provides in detecting diseases and pathologies that may first be seen in the periphery of the retina and we look forward to the launch of our 200Tx model in Q1 2011.”

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Note to Editors: Images available upon request

About Optos Plc
Optos plc is a leading retinal imaging company. Our vision is to be recognised as the leading provider of retinal diagnostics through leveraging our unique wide-field imaging technology. Both eye and non-eye diseases often first exhibit in the periphery of the retina. These are very difficult to detect clinically with conventional examination equipment and techniques. Optos' devices produce ultra wide-field, high resolution images of approximately 82% of the retina, something no other device is capable of doing in any one image. The images provide optometrists and ophthalmologists with enhanced clinical information which facilitates the early detection, management and treatment of disorders and diseases evidenced in the retina such as retinal detachments and tears, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Retinal imaging can also indicate evidence of non-eye or systemic diseases such as hypertension and certain cancers. Optos has a range of medical devices that support different customer segments and patient levels: the P200 device is concentrated on wellness screening carried out by optometrists and ophthalmologists in primary care; the P200C device is designed to meet the need for more exacting clinical imaging capabilities and standards in secondary care within the ophthalmology market and at optometric practices that are clinically managing a patient base with advanced ocular disease; and the P200MA device supports retinal specialists, working primarily with a diabetic patient base, in the medical care market through an advanced medical angiography procedure. Optos' technology provides an unequalled combination of wide-field retinal imaging, speed and convenience for the practitioner and patient resulting in more targeted treatment regimes and improved patient outcomes. 75% of all blindness can be treated or prevented if diagnosed early enough and our Optos technology supports this objective.

For more information please visit our website www.optos.com.

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