April 15, 2013, MARLBOROUGH, MA Optos plc (LSE: OPTS), a world leader in retinal imaging, today announced that the results from a study comparing retinal imaging techniques in 339 eyes conducted at the New England College of Optometry were published in Eye and Brain 1.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of an optomap-assisted fundus examination to detect retinal lesions in comparison with traditional ophthalmoscopy. Researchers investigated whether Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging technology could enable a more comprehensive exam, the accuracy of current traditional dilated retinal exams has been reported in literature to vary from 32% to 82%. The results previewed at The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting showed that the optomap-assisted technique discovered approximately 30% more retinal lesions when compared to traditional ophthalmoscopy. The traditional dilated eye exam consisted of Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopy (BIO) and slit lamp biomicroscopy with condensing lenses. The image-assisted method was identical to the traditional method, with the exception that the doctor reviewed optomap images in conjunction with ophthalmoscopy. A Retinal Specialist examined patients when there was disfagreement in the findings of the two methods.

Researchers believe this is the first comprehensive study to demonstrate the ability of digital technology for retinal imaging to enhance a traditional dilated fundus examination, concluding that  optomap image-assisted fundus examination enhances detection of retinal lesions compared with traditional fundus exams alone. The analyses report a higher rate of drusen and small retinal hemorrhages (lesions associated with macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy respectively) detected by the fmap image-assisted technique, identifying between 90-100% in comparison to the traditional method that identified only 15-62% of these lesions.

"This study further demonstrates the benefits of ultra-widefield retinal imaging." said Roy Davis, CEO of Optos. "We believe optomap image-assisted ophthalmoscopy represents an opportunity to improve pathology detection, the patient experience and to help a clinician efficiently target the area of the retina in need of further investigation. This targeted approach combined with the ability to electronically document pathologies can save valuable time and effort during examinations and rfaise the standard of care for patients." 

"optomap images allow us to preview such a wide view of the retina before we perform our traditional exam, it's like having a GPS of the retina. When you couple this with the benefits of digital management of the images such as zooming in to visualize key pathology, there are clear benefits in using this image-assisted technique," said Kristen Brown, OD, FAAO, the principal study investigator. "This study confirms what our clinical experience tells us - the use of digital technology can help us to improve the examination and care we give our patients."

1. Brown K, Sewell JM, Trempe C, Peto T, Travison TG. Comparison of Image-assisted versus Traditional Fundus Examination.  Eye and Brain. 2013; 2013(5):1–8

Inquiries:

Optos Inc. Leslie Amodei, Sr Director Global Marketing Communications

Tel: 508-787-1414

Note to Editor: Images available upon request

About Optos Plc

Optos plc has the vision to be The Retina Company. We aim to be recognized as a leading provider of devices and solutions to eyecare professionals for improved patient care. Optos' core devices produce ultra widefield, high resolution digital images (optomaps) of approximately 82% of the retina, something no other device is capable of doing in any one image.

Through acquisition Optos added optical coherence tomography ("OCT") with microperimetry to our product line along with diagnostic devices and optical ultrasound scanners, used in the diagnosis and management of eye disease and conditions. The OCT/SLO delivers an image that shows a three dimensional, cross-sectional view of the retina in any particular area, typically in the central pole area of the retina around the optic nerve and macula and is used to detect the presence of and understand the severity of disease, determine treatment approaches and monitor post-treatment effect.

Further to ultra-widefield retinal imaging and OCT products, Optos has an expanded range of imaging devices that support different customer segments and patient needs. The range includes visual acuity, perimetry and treatment laser products.

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

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.

End Release