Contact:
Karen Whelan, Public Relations & Practice Marketing Specialist
508-787-1461
kwhelan@optos.com
Schools of Optometry Utilize the optomap® Retinal Exam
4/11/2007
MARLBOROUGH, MA, April 11, 2007 – Optos, a leading medical technology company for the design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of retinal imaging devices, is pleased to announce eight Schools of Optometry are now utilizing Optos’ platform technology – Panaromic200 Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (P200) device – that produces an ultrawide-field 200 degree view of the retina in a single capture.
“Integrating Optos’ technology into our practice has been great. The optomap® Retinal Exam has provided our clinical faculty with a great tool that meets the clinical educational mission and helps to improve the quality of care we provide,” stated Sue Oleszewski, OD, Vice President and Executive Director, Patient Care Services, Pennsylvania College of Optometry. “Furthermore, the technology has been a great way to assist in educating our patients on their ocular health. The patients are impressed with the state-of-the art nature of this technology.”
The optomap® Retinal Exam provides eye care professionals with the necessary clinical information needed to assess the retinal health of every patient. This quick, painless procedure is safe and comfortable for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.
“We are excited that eight Schools of Optometry are now utilizing the optomap® Retinal Exam to educate Optometric students about prevention, diagnosis, and management of visual and systemic conditions,” stated Thomas W. Butts, Chief Executive Officer, Optos plc. “This presents a great opportunity for Optos to continue to incorporate our innovative modality as an integral part of comprehensive eye exams and help increase the quality of health care provided by future optometrists.”
The eight Schools of Optometry include: New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA; Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI; Southern California College of Optometry, Fullerton, CA; Berkeley Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, CA; Northeastern State University, College of Optometry, Tahlequah, OK; University of Houston, College of Optometry, Houston, TX; Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, OR; and Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Elkins Park, PA.
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.