Contact:
Karen Whelan, Public Relations & Practice Marketing Specialist
508-787-1461
kwhelan@optos.com
United States Air Force Utilizes optomap® Retinal Exam
1/16/2007
MARLBOROUGH, MA, January 16, 2007 – Optos, a leading medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of retinal imaging devices, is pleased to announce that the United States Air Force is utilizing the Ultrawide-field Panoramic200 Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope at several of its bases.
“We are very pleased to have established a relationship with the U.S. Air Force and are delighted to have installed our device into some of its bases,” stated Tom Butts, Chief Executive Officer, Optos plc. “We look forward to helping the U.S. Air Force integrate the optomap® Retinal Exam into its health screening regime for its U.S. Air Force personnel.”
According to Hurlburt Air Force Base, Fla., aircrew members aren’t DNFIEd (Duty Not to Include Flying) indicating that mission operational capabilities are not impaired after receiving an optomap® due to its ease of use. As a result, an estimated 60,000 man-hours are saved from lost duty time because of the optomap® Retinal Exam.
Bases that are now utilizing the technology include: Wright-Patterson AFB, OH; Hurlburt AFB, FL; Luke AFB, AZ; Edwards AFB, CA; and Little Rock AFB, AR.
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 recently 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.