Optos Wins The Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award
6/6/2006
LONDON, UK, 07 June 2006 – Optos plc (LSE: OPTS) ('Optos' or 'the Company'), a leading medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of retinal imaging devices, has won the UK’s most prestigious engineering innovation accolade – The Royal Academy of Engineering 2006 MacRobert Award.
"Optos is a worthy winner and embodies the true spirit of the MacRobert Award. Beginning with a brilliant innovatory concept, Optos has developed a revolutionary diagnostic device by dint of eight years determination, creativity and perseverance in solving the formidable technical problems they met on the way,” said Dr Robin Paul, Chairman of the judging panel for the MacRobert Award. “In the years to come many people will owe their sight to the timely use of this outstanding example of clinical engineering."
Previous MacRobert Award recipients include Rolls Royce, IBM, BP and CSR. In addition to Optos plc this year’s finalists also included Airbus UK, Brinker Technology Ltd and Davy Process Technology Ltd. The MacRobert Award recognises the important role of engineers and engineering in wealth creation, national prosperity and international prestige. It is awarded annually for demonstrated excellence in innovation, contribution to community and proven commercial success.
"Early diagnosis of eye and non-eye diseases can help save sight and save lives. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved so far and it is a great honour to be recognised by The Royal Academy of Engineering – it will serve to inspire us further in making our technology an industry benchmark,” said Stephane Sallmard, Chief Executive Officer, Optos plc. “The MacRobert Award confirms we are a truly innovative and commercially growth-oriented company and that we are making a decided difference in helping our customers deliver a higher standard of eye and healthcare to their patients.”
Note to Editors
About Optos plc
Optos is incorporated in Scotland under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number SC139953 and with its subsidiaries collectively is known as Optos plc. Founded in 1992 Optos plc is a leading medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of devices able to 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. Optos believes that its technology provides an unequalled combination of wide-field retinal imaging, speed and convenience for both practitioner and patient. Optos plc is headquartered in Dunfermline, Scotland and currently has approximately 220 employees serving more than 2,250 customers in four country markets – USA, Canada, UK and Germany. To date over 7.5 million optomap® Retinal Exams have been conducted. Optos plc trades on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol OPTS.
About The Royal Academy of Engineering
Founded in 1976, The Royal Academy of Engineering promotes the engineering and technological welfare of the country. Our fellowship - comprising the UK's most eminent engineers - provides the leadership and expertise for our activities, which focus on the relationships between engineering, technology, and the quality of life. As a national academy, we provide independent and impartial advice to Government; work to secure the next generation of engineers; and provide a voice for Britain's engineering community. www.raeng.org.uk
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