By Victoria Black

 

Scientists from the University are engaged in pioneering clinical trials to develop a new technology which could detect eye disease earlier than current medical instruments.

The University will work with leading medical technology company, Optos alongside NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to create an effective solution which will tackle the ever-increasing medical challenge of visual loss.

Investment company Innovate UK have given the University and its partners £1.1 million to fund this project.

The aim of this technology is to identify and monitor eye disease in its primary stages.  Such investigations will include the leading causes of blindness such as Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Strathclyde is collaborating with its colleagues in the specialist NHS centre for eye research at the Glasgow Centre of Ophthalmic Research to provide an innovative and practical solution to the deficiencies of eye disease.

In union with their partners, Strathclyde’s academics and scientists are developing a new laser technology which allows them to monitor the operation of the cells in the eye.

Dr Keith Mathieson, Director of the University of Strathclyde’s Institute of Photonics, said: “Partnerships involving universities, industry and the public sector have an important role in developing innovative, practical solutions, essential to the treatment and monitoring of these debilitating conditions.”

Derek Swan, Senior Director of Research at Optos, emphasised the importance of the NHS working closely with its partners to ensure “the delivery of robust clinical evidence” in order to provide “effective solutions” for this stationary medical problem.

Dr Graeme Williams, Consultant Ophthalmologist working with Glasgow Centre, has expressed his excitement for this clinical research which will solve a massive, ongoing problem for the NHS.  He continued by saying that the early detection of sight disease will allow for “more effective management of the conditions”.

Clinical trials for this innovative technology are due to be completed by 2017.

If the results prove to be successful, a further £9 million will be invested to develop a full licensed device by late 2018.