Intervening earlier in diabetic retinopathy

At 100% Optical in February this year, Optos showcased its ultra-widefield retinal imaging technology, and launched its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud platforms.

Optos AI Solutions combines ultra-widefield imaging with AI assessment, and can be used to evaluate an optomap image and provide a diabetic retinopathy (DR) result to the eye care professional.

Sharon Ormonde, northern Europe sales director for Optos, said: “This will give clinicians the ability to detect diabetic retinopathy across an ultra-widefield view.”

A report will then be produced to support the clinician in determining whether a patient has referable retinopathy.

Ormonde explained: “It should enable us to detect changes and intervene earlier, and hopefully get a better resolution for the patient.”

Discussing Optos’ flagship multi-modal imaging device, the Monaco, Ormonde shared: “In one device you have ultra-widefield retinal imaging, ultra-widefield autofluorescence, and posterior pole OCT.”

“Incredibly quickly, easily and comfortably for both the operator and the patient, you can acquire as much information about the retina as possible,” she continued.

Talking to OT about the benefits of the device for optometrists, Ormonde said: “I think one of the really powerful things about our technology is that we can demonstrate how much more of the retina you can see.”

The technology can support the capture of four times more of the retina than a standard fundus camera, Ormonde explained. This can be done quickly, and through undilated pupils, she added.

“The huge benefit of it is having access to much more information about the retina, making sure that everything is healthy – you can’t really put a price on that,” she continued, highlighting that this can help optometrists to feel more comfortable and confident that they have seen “as much of the retina as they can.”

Ormonde reflected that she often hears two statements from customers who have gone on to purchase the device: “I wish I’d done it sooner, and I couldn’t practise without it.”