10,000th SPECTRALIS hits the market and highlights remarkable UK growth
Hemel Hempstead, UK – The 10,000th SPECTRALIS® diagnostic imaging platform has been delivered to French retina specialist, Dr. David Sayag at his private practice near Paris. Dr David Sayag, French retina specialist
Dr Sayag bought his first SPECTRALIS for the clinic in 2007, and still uses this system today to help diagnose and monitor the hundreds of patients that ophthalmologists refer to him. Over the years, he has upgraded the platform with new modules such as the Ultra-Widefield Angiography Module. His new system joins the clinic’s SPECTRALIS family and brings with it OCT2 – the latest technology from Heidelberg Engineering, which uses a high scan rate of 85,000 Hz to provide the platform for advanced imaging techniques such as OCT angiography*, as well as enable improved image quality and 50% faster image acquisition.
The UK has played its part in the achievement of this milestone, having experienced a 450% growth in the number of SPECTRALIS systems purchased over the last four years.
“We put this remarkable growth down to raising the standard of education within acute care and the community settings”, explains Krysten Williams, Director of Heidelberg Engineering UK. “Hospitals recognise the benefit of the follow-up function allowing them to accurately track progression, with many now investing in multiple systems. In addition, the community sector has grown tremendously as more and more practices are participating in shared care schemes to reduce the increasing burden on the NHS and improve patient care.”
*Under development, not for sale
First SPECTRALIS OCT2 with OCT angiography installed in Belfast
Hemel Hempstead, UK – The UK’s first SPECTRALIS OCT2 with OCT Angiography Module* has been installed at Queen’s University in Belfast. The device will be used in the NICOLA study (Northern Ireland Cohort for Longitudinal Study of Ageing), which is following the lives of 8,500 over 50s as they grow older.
Dr. Ruth Hogg, Lecturer Centre for Experimental Medicine Institute of Clinical Science
“The TruTrack active eye tracking feature in SPECTRALIS will create a detailed retinal map of each patient” explains Christopher Mody, Director of Clinical Services. “It will allow the automatic placement of follow-up scans in precisely the same anatomical location, so the clinician can observe the smallest changes in the patient’s eyes as they age.”
“We are excited to include the SPECTRALIS OCT Angiography* Module in the NICOLA add-on studies to look at the microvasculature within the retina and choroid, non-invasively,” explained Dr Ruth Hogg. “These consist of a second visit by NICOLA participants on the basis of features we see in their NICOLA main study visit, and will include a study of normal ageing, diabetes, AMD and glaucoma.”
It is intended that the data gathered in the study will provide the basis for future government policy and ensure that Northern Ireland is prepared to meet the demands of an aging population.
The OCT Angiography Module* for SPECTRALIS is now available for demonstration. If you would like to learn more please call 01442 502 330 or email Info-UK@HeidelbergEngineering.com.
*Under development, not for sale.
New Cataract and Refractive Imaging Platform to be shown in the UK for the first time
Hemel Hempstead, UK – Heidelberg Engineering’s new modular Cataract and Refractive Imaging Platform* is to be shown in the UK for the first time at UKISCRS on Monday 23rd May and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Congress on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th May.
“The platform is based on swept-source OCT technology,” explains Christopher Mody, Director of Clinical Services. “It was recently showcased at the ESCRS and at the AAO last year and the attendees’ response was extremely positive.”
The new platform combines several of the most important examinations for cataract and refractive surgery in a single device:
Anterior and posterior corneal topography including astigmatism
Total corneal power
Anterior segment biometry for IOL calculation, including anterior chamber depth and lens thickness
Axial length measurement
Image-based anterior segment biometry including visualisation of posterior lens surface and anterior chamber angle assessment
Like the SPECTRALIS retina and glaucoma imaging platform, this new platform is being developed with an upgradable modular design to provide a future-proof, tailored solution for clinical practice. A leading European cataract and refractive surgeon put it like this during the ESCRS in Barcelona:
“Besides the many functions and the amazing OCT images, I am impressed by the overall usability of the device in terms of acquisition, review and data management. This will guarantee a smooth integration in our clinical routine.”
To experience the Cataract and Refractive Imaging Platform live please visit our booth at UKISCRS at the Think Tank Museum on May 23rd and the RCO at the ICC in Birmingham 24-26th May.
Heidelberg Engineering to showcase hybrid angiography at annual masterclass
Hemel Hempstead, UK – The Heidelberg Engineering Academy are all set for their first hybrid angiography masterclass, which will include a thoughtful and rational look at the role of OCT angiography* in the clinical decision making process.
“Due to popular demand, we have doubled delegate capacity at this year’s venue”, explains Christopher Mody, Director of Clinical Services. “The masterclass will explore the unique attributes of hybrid angiography, using fluorescein, indocyanine green and OCT angiography* as part of a multimodality imaging approach to investigation and diagnosis”.
An impressive line-up of speakers have been confirmed for the event including Professor Giovanni Staurenghi, from the University of Milan, alongside new Retina Faculty Chairman, Pearse Keane, NIHR Clinician Scientist at the Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London and Catherine Egan, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital.
The masterclass will be held on Tuesday 24th May from 6.00-8.30pm at Austin Court, a historic canal side building which is just a few minutes’ walk away from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Annual Congress at the International Convention Centre (ICC). Space is limited. Register for the masterclass by emailing Academy-UK@HeidelbergEngineering.com.
*OCT Angiography for SPECTRALIS is under development and not currently for sale.
Portsmouth Optometrist wins trip to 14th Annual International SPECTRALIS Symposium
Hemel Hempstead, UK – The winner of an all-expenses paid trip for two to Vienna, Austria, for the 14th Annual International SPECTRALIS Symposium (ISS) has been confirmed as Anne Gill, Optometrist at Anne Gill Eyecare, Portsmouth.
The competition, run by Heidelberg Engineering during Optrafair, asked entrants to submit one reason they thought they should own a SPECTRALIS Imaging Platform. The competition received dozens of entries, but Mrs Gill’s submission, “the repeatability of the results and the superb service offered by the sales team and support staff” was chosen as the favourite by Bill Harvey, Clinical Editor at Optician Magazine.
Mrs Gill will join SPECTRALIS fans from around the globe in November to share experiences and gather new ideas.
“I was blown away by the knowledgeable staff and accuracy of the follow-up function on the SPECTRALIS at Optrafair”, explained Anne. “I’m so excited to be joining leading retina and glaucoma experts at the ISS and looking forward to taking home new concepts for clinical practice”.
Dr. Alex Huang receives Heidelberg Engineering’s Research Award 2016
Heidelberg, Germany – Alex Huang, MD, PhD, is the winner of the Heidelberg Engineering Xtreme Research Award 2016 for his research on aqueous angiography and OCT structural analysis of outflow pathways. He received the award in a ceremony during ARVO’s Annual Meeting in Seattle.
Dr. Huang, who is a glaucoma clinician scientist at the Doheny Eye Institute and at the Department of Ophthalmology of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles, presented the highlights of his current research in an outstanding lecture titled “To See and Touch Aqueous Humor Outflow”.
With the annual Xtreme Research Award, Heidelberg Engineering intends to honor the most cutting-edge research for the advancement of ophthalmic care. This year, the award went to Dr. Huang in recognition for his latest research initiative on structure and function of the anterior segment consisting of a novel method referred to as “aqueous angiography”, which involves dye-based angiography of the anterior chamber and OCT imaging of the outflow pathways using a multimodal imaging platform.
Although still in its early stages, Dr. Huang’s research intends to improve glaucoma angle-based procedures by guiding its placement according to the individual anatomy of each eye. For example, stent location in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is believed to have an influence on the outcome of the procedure. If this hypothesis is proven true, customization of the stent’s position guided by the characteristics of each eye could lead to improved surgery outcomes.
“We are genuinely excited about future possibilities and potential clinical impact that structural and functional anterior segment imaging such as aqueous angiography may have on glaucoma and ophthalmology. With these tools, one day we may start tailoring glaucoma care to an individual patient’s anatomy or patterns of aqueous humor outflow. Thus, this is a real opportunity to learn new biology of the eye as well as push the efficacy of patient care forward”, said Dr. Huang.
“Looking ahead, we would like to provide a diagnostic imaging platform to perform dye-based angiography of the anterior segment pre- or intra-operatively and for this reason, we are enthusiastic about Dr. Huang’s research project. Such novel applications of anterior segment research could provide clinically valuable information about aqueous humor flow and flow patterns leading to more effective glaucoma treatment”, said Dr. Kester Nahen, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering.
With that purpose, Heidelberg Engineering’s development team supports Dr. Huang and other leading clinicians eager to improve glaucoma treatment outcomes by developing novel anterior segment analyses that combine both the structural and functional aspects using high-end diagnostic imaging equipment.
Dr. Alex Huang receives the Xtreme Research Award 2016 from Dr. Kester Nahen, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering.
Aqueous angiography demonstrating aqueous humor outflow starting from peri-limbal structures (asterisk; trabecular meshwork, Schlemm’s Canal, and collector channels) to a distal episcleral veins (arrows). Segmental flow is seen in peri-limbal areas without outflow (arrowhead).
Heidelberg Engineering shortlisted for Optician Awards
Hemel Hempstead, UK – Heidelberg Engineering has been shortlisted as a finalist for the ‘Optical Supplier of the Year’ category at the Optician Awards 2016. This recognises the quality and innovative approach Heidelberg Engineering takes towards multi-modality imaging. Heidelberg Engineering is the only medical device company to be shortlisted. The winner will be announced at the glittering awards ceremony at The Vox on Saturday April 9th.
Heidelberg Engineering shortlisted for Optician Award
“Every single person who works at the company is genuinely passionate about eye health care, saving sight and working diligently to improve the level of care in the community with the ultimate goal of saving people’s vision,” explains Emily Malbon, Marketing Communications Manager. “The product at the heart of the company is the SPECTRALIS multimodal imaging platform, which provides the optometrist with the ability to detect very early changes in the eye.”
From its inception Heidelberg Engineering set out to raise the standard of eye health care in the community through education. The company prides itself on ensuring courses provide true, high quality education applicable to any imaging solution.
They have paved the way for independent High Street practices to have access to the imaging platform preferred by retinal specialists supported by thorough training delivered in a fun, digestible manner. The SPECTRALIS Connect Investment Club is now open to new members until Monday 11th April 2016.
Heidelberg, Germany — Heidelberg Engineering has reached an important corporate milestone with the 10,000th SPECTRALIS® diagnostic imaging platform, which has been delivered to a French retina specialist.
For the last 25 years Heidelberg Engineering has been providing diagnostic imaging technologies which have greatly influenced ophthalmic patient care. The business has evolved from a small to a medium sized company with an increasing international footprint and an approach that brings together scientific, clinical and technological expertise to provide clinicians with high-precision diagnostic devices and IT solutions.
Dr. David Sayag, owner of the 10,000th SPECTRALIS
Sanotek, Heidelberg Engineering’s distribution partner in France, has had the pleasure of delivering the 10,000th SPECTRALIS® to Dr. David Sayag, a well-known retina specialist based in Paris.
“During my professional career I have been adopting different diagnostic devices created by Heidelberg Engineering, and it was a nice surprise to find out that I had purchased the 10,000th SPECTRALIS. However, even more exciting than that are the examination results I am able to obtain with the OCT2 Module and with a prototype version of the upcoming OCT Angiography Module*. The SPECTRALIS platform keeps moving with the times!” said Dr. David Sayag.
A typical customer journey
Dr. Sayag had his first contact with Heidelberg Engineering’s technologies back in 2000, when he observed the response of feeder vessels to photodynamic therapy with indocyanin green angiographies performed with the Heidelberg Retina Angiograph (HRA). Soon after, the Hospital of Créteil, which is located near Paris and is where Dr. Sayag became a fellow, made the digital cSLO angiography part of their clinical protocol. Once the SPECTRALIS HRA+OCT was born, the ophthalmology department fully embraced its multimodal concept.
In 2007 Dr. Sayag opened a private practice in Paris specializing in AMD. He chose the SPECTRALIS HRA+OCT technology to help diagnose and monitor the hundreds of patients that ophthalmologists continue to refer to him. Over the years, he has been upgrading the platform with new modules such as the Ultra-Widefield Angiography Module, which he uses for the management of peripheral diseases like diabetic retinopathy.
The latest addition to his practice has been this “milestone” SPECTRALIS, which is equipped with the OCT2 Module, combining a high scan rate of 85,000 Hz with TruTrack Active Eye Tracking to provide excellent image quality and reduce acquisition time by 50%.
Future developments
Dr. Sayag also belongs to a group of doctors working with a prototype OCT Angiography Module*, which has allowed him to experience a sample of what many retina specialists see as a tool with very promising diagnostic potential.
“We have just celebrated our 25th company anniversary and sold our 10,000th SPECTRALIS”, said Dr. Kester Nahen, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering. “These kinds of milestones provide a good opportunity to think about the present, past and future. Considering the current market trends and our robust development pipeline, we are excited about our prospects and are enjoying our work just as much now as we did in the early days.”
*Currently under development and not for sale yet.
OCT used to Monitor Multiple Sclerosis Progression
Hemel Hempstead, UK – OCT is being showcased on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website after being used in trials to monitor multiple sclerosis and track the effects of therapies.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be described as an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.
Growing evidence has suggested that Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) eye exam findings can mirror MS-inflicted damage that occurs in the brain. However, it has not been clear how or whether thinning of the nerve at the back of the eye reflects brain shrinkage (atrophy) and nerve degeneration overall or in specific areas of the brain.
A four-year study* confirms that imaging the eye with OCT provides a “window” to MS progression in the brain: A recently published paper by a collaborative team used advanced OCT and MRI brain scans of 107 people with MS over four years to track the development of MS and to determine whether changes in nerve layers at the back of the eye mirror changes in MRI-detected brain tissue integrity and degeneration.
The team reported that OCT findings reliably reflected overall brain degeneration, with a specific layer of the retina showing shrinkage at similar rates as specific brain regions seen with MRI. These similar rates of atrophy were more strongly associated in progressive MS for most areas of the brain.
* The Annals of Neurology in November 2015 (2015;78:801-813)
Optometrists’ expanding role in the primary care community changes the focus for Heidelberg Engineering
Hemel Hempstead, UK – Increased demand for SPECTRALIS to deliver enhanced optical services in optometry has led to Mike Riley being appointed to the role of National Accounts Manager for optometry for Heidelberg Engineering in the UK. National Accounts Manager Mike Riley
Mike brings 20 years’ experience in the optical industry to streamline the customer experience by providing one point of contact for all optometrists within the organisation. The new role will be dedicated to offering a tailored approach to providing clinical solutions in the retail space. Mike explains,
“I’m excited to be able to ensure our key customers always receive the highest level of support from developing a business case right through to implementation and training. The upgradeability of our expandable multi-modal imaging platform lends itself to developing a long-term partnership for practice growth.”
Mike joined Heidelberg Engineering in April 2015 having been promoted to this new role from Northern Sales Manager within just 6 months of joining the company.
