Moorfields Eye Hospital patient receives 3D printed prosthetic eye

A Moorfields Eye Hospital patient has received a 3D printed prosthetic eye in what is believed to be a world first.

Hackney engineer, Steve Verze, 40, has required a prosthetic eye since he was 20 and shared that he had often felt self-conscious about it.

“When I leave my home, I often take a second glance in the mirror, and I’ve not liked what I’ve seen. This new eye looks fantastic and, being based on 3D digital printing technology, it’s only going to be better and better,” Verze said.

Traditional acrylic prosthetic eyes are hand-painted and take around six weeks to complete.

In contrast, once an initial scan has been taken, a 3D printed prosthetic can be completed within two and a half hours.

Consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, Professor Mandeep Sagoo, shared that the technology has the potential to reduce waiting lists.

“We are excited about the potential for this fully digital prosthetic eye,” he emphasised.

“We hope the forthcoming clinical trial will provide us with robust evidence about the value of this new technology, showing what a difference it makes for patients,” Sagoo shared.

Banner image: Moorfields Eye Hospital patient, Steve Verze, wearing a 3D printed prosthetic eye.