Eye News April / May 2017 Press Release

Press Release section for all the latest new products, product developments and news from companies within the field.

THE BIMONTHLY REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY APRIL /MAY 2017 • VOL 23 NO 6 www.eyenews.uk.com

@EyeNewsMag

ISSN: 1368-8952

NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE

Hill-RBF Calculator exclusively available on the LENSTAR biometer

Global response to the OCT2 module demonstrates the true upgradability and affordability of the SPECTRALIS platform

The Hill-RBF Calculator is a purely data-driven IOL calculation method.

Unlike any of the static theoretical formulae, it incorporates artificial intelligence, pattern recognition and a boundary model for improved accuracy and confidence.

Due to its adaptive, dynamic learning process, the Calculator continually updates. The higher the number of surgical outcomes entered, the better the overall depth of accuracy becomes.

The Hill-RBF Calculator performs better than many current theoretical formulae. It works for all biconvex IOLs from +6.00D to +30.00D and is designed for short, normal and long eyes.

Used on short eyes, the Calculator clearly outperforms Holladay 2 and Hoffer Q and shows slightly better results than latest theoretical formulas like Barrett and Olsen!

The Hill-RBF Calculator is exclusively available on Haag-Streit LENSTAR biometers.

The upgradeability of the SPECTRALIS Imaging Platform has made it possible for thousands of owners worldwide to improve clinic workflow and enhance image quality with the new OCT2 Module.

The SPECTRALIS OCT2 Module delivers choroidal penetration comparable to swept source, whilst preserving resolution in the inner retina, doubling the image acquisition speed and providing a future proof platform for new technologies such as OCT Angiography Module and ensuring the continuity of patient data.

The original SPECTRALIS engines that have been exchanged for the OCT2 module have been refurbished and paired with new laser heads to start life again as an upgradeable SPECTRALIS platform with a one year warranty.

This means that a limited number of upgradeable SPECTRALIS devices with refurbished engines are currently available at a special price.

Email Info-UK@HeidelbergEngineering.com for a quotation.

For further information contact: Haag-Streit UK T: +44 (0)1279 883829 E: lenstar@haag-streit-uk.com www.haagstreituk.com/lenstar

For further information contact: Heidelberg Engineering Ltd. T: +44 (0)1442 502 330 E: info-UK@heidelbergengineering.com www.heidelbergengineering.com

The new Optopol REVO nx OCT with Angio The worlds fastest fully automated OCT at 110, 000 A scans per second and an axial resolution of 5 μm in tissue ~2,6μm digital.

Single 3D Retina examination is enough to perform both retina and glaucoma analysis.

Optional angiography SOCT module allows visualisation of the retinal microvasculature.

Comprehensive glaucoma analysis tools for quantification of optic nerve head, retina nerve fibre layer, DDLS, ganglion layer and asymmetry.

Scharioth Macula Lens The magnifier in the eye for patients with advanced dry AMD, stable wet AMD and other macular diseases.

SML is a bifocal Add-On IOL with a specially designed central optic providing high additional power of +10.0D developed by Prof Gabor Scharioth.

SML is intended for monocular implantation in pseudophakic better-seeing eye, without affecting distance vison or visual field.

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Add-On Bifocal Design Central 1.5mm Optical Zone with +10.0D Peripheral Zone Optically Neutral Distance Vision and Visual Field Not Affected Micro Incision 2.2mm Injector Designed for Stable Sulcus Placement.

For further information contact: Vision Matrix T: +44 (0)1423 705058 E: sales@visionmatrix.co.uk www.visionmatrix.co.uk

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Anterior examinations – angle to angle complete anterior chamber and pachymetry.

For further information contact: BIB ophthalmic instruments T: +44 (0)1438 740823 E: sales@bibonline.co.uk www.bibonline.co.uk

The 500XLS is a high performance ophthalmic examination chair ideally suited for intraocular injection clinics This budget chair has multifunctional capability.

Its versatile design supports a wide range of applications.

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Multifunctional head rest Manual key pad with four memory positions Removable foot operated keypad Four powerful drives for adjusting the backrest, footrest, seat elements and overall chair operating height.

For further information contact: Carleton T: +44 (0)1494 775811 E: carleton@carletonltd.com www.carletonltd.com eye news | APRIL/MAY 2017 | VOL 23 NO 6 | www.eyenews.uk.com

NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE

The BI 900 slit-lamp: simplified operation and high reliability The Haag-Streit BI 900 slit-lamp provides a 10x and 16x magnification, as default. Equipped with an improved microscope, the BI 900 has an optional set of oculars which will extend this to an impressive 40x magnification.

The BI 900 boasts an enhanced 14mm LED illumination. This allows the user to illuminate a larger area on the anterior segment, while retaining the homogeneity of the LED light. The maximised diameter size of the ocular view ensures fatigue-free examination, even on long working days.

The optional imaging set provides a fully-integrated, compact imaging solution for the BI 900. Designed to simplify the image capturing process, the system features a fast and accurate automatic exposure control, along with the well-established history trigger function.

For further information contact: Haag-Streit UK T: +44 (0)1279 883829 E: slitlamp@haag-streit-uk.com www.haagstreituk.com/bi900

NuVision® Biotherapies announce the appointment of distributors for the whole of Ireland (North and South) Following an impressive market entry for the new wound care product Omnigen®, an innovative dry preserved amniotic membrane-derived therapy, into NHS and private healthcare ophthalmic market, NuVision Biotherapies are extending their reach by working with MED Surgical as their new distributor for the whole of Ireland.

MED Surgical have an established and enviable record of delivering quality products into the Irish healthcare market for over 20 years. Their skilled and experienced representatives will be working with ophthalmic surgeons in order to facilitate access to Omnigen® for the treatment of ocular surface disorders. Both companies look forward to working together to help preserve and save sight.

Dr Andrew Hopkinson, CEO NuVision Biotherapies Ltd, said today “We are all very excited to work with MED Surgical to provide access to Omnigen for the people of Ireland. Our experience in England has been very positive, with over 30 hospitals, NHS and private already using Omnigen to help restore and retain patients sight. Surgeons in England have found Omnigen to be convenient, easy to use and effective in the treatment of ocular surface disorders, and we look forward to offering the same opportunity for use to Irish ophthalmic surgeons.”

For further information contact: NuVision T: +44 (0)115 784 0120 www.nu-vision.co.uk

Vision Matrix extends its refractive IOL portfolio Vision Matrix is pleased to announce their refractive IOL product portfolio has been extended to support the refractive ophthalmologist’s needs.

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Instant Focus™ – INFO. IOL [EDOF & Refractive & Diffractive].

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FineVision – Tri-focal Micro.F, POD F, Tri-focal Toric, Pod FT.

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Bi-Flex Toric, Multifocal PAD - Bi-Flex M and Bi-Flex MT – Toric

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Ferrara Rings – Corneal Inlay Rings

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Presbia – Presbyopia Inlays

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SML – Scharioth Macular Lens

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AddOn – Spherical, Toric & Multi-focal

Please contact Vision Matrix for a rapid and direct service.

For further information contact: Vision Matrix T: +44 (0)1423 705058 E: sales@visionmatrix.co.uk www.visionmatrix.co.uk

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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE

PlusoptiX A12c and S12c devices These additions to the established plusoptiX line up provide lightweight, portable devices that can assist paediatric ophthalmology and optometry departments with accurate, objective results.

The specifications of the new plusoptiX devices include: • Wireless, faster, accurate, binocular results from 1 metre • Configurable Pass Refer criteria within the screening device • Results provide refraction, symmetry of corneal reflexes, PD and pupil diameter • Data acquisition in under 0.8 second • In-built database • Lightweight, portable all encompassing design with touch screen • Rechargeable battery or mains powered allowing increased flexibility within the clinic or community • W-Lan interface for printing and database integration.

For further details and to arrange a demonstration contact: Carleton T: +44 (0)1494 775811 E: carleton@carletonltd.com www.carletonltd.com

SD Healthcare donates to VISION 2020 LINKS Programme SD Healthcare donated around 300 intraocular lenses to the VISION 2020 LINKS Programme.

The donation consisted of one-piece hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and anterior chamber lenses of various dioptres.

The VISION 2020 LINKS Programme works to improve quality and quantity of eye care training, and it has so far established 30 LINKS between training institutions (mainly) in Africa and the UK. Marcia Zondervan, VISION 2020 LINKS Programme Manager said: “Many of the VISION 2020 LINKS partners have patients who find it difficult to purchase their own IOLs as they are often unaffordable. We will ensure that these go to deserving units for the benefits of their patients.”

The LINKS programme thanked SD Healthcare for its generous donation.

Links programme Manager, Marcia (right) with LINKS partner Ophthalmologist Dr Grace Ssali of Mulago Hospital, Uganda.

For further information contact: SD Healthcare T: +44 (0)161 775 7626 www.sdhealthcare.com

Help Keeler celebrate its 100th anniversary at Optrafair British ophthalmic instrument manufacturer Keeler is turning 100 just a few weeks after this year’s Optrafair exhibition. There’s sure to be a lot of Centennial celebrations going on at the company’s Optrafair booth (number G50) so please drop by and say hello!

As well as celebrating its Century, Keeler will of course be exhibiting its extensive product range, including: • The Symphony range of slit-lamps (Zeisstype and Haag Streit-type, both with digital capability) • The Pulsair Intellipuff non-contact tonometer • The Specialist ophthalmoscope and

Professional retinoscope, now both with LED lighting • The PSL portable slit-lamp • The Desktop tonometer • Vantage LED and Spectra Iris indirect ophthalmoscopes • Volk lenses.

Keeler works closely with a number of key optical partners, including Birmingham Optical, BIB, Hanson Instruments, Mainline Optical, Topcon and Bondeye. All will be showing Keeler’s products and offering some special deals at the show.

The company looks forward to welcoming

Thealoz Duo Thealoz Duo is a new, clinically proven [1] eye drop for the treatment of dry eye. It combines Sodium Hyaluronate with Trehalose, a natural discaccharide [2] which uniquely protects cell membranes from extreme dryness. The result is an artificial tear that protects, hydrates and lubricates the ocular surface.

Studies have shown that the addition of Trehalose also improves the residence time on the ocular surface [3], providing a significantly greater improvement in dry eye symptoms compared with hyaluronic acid alone [4].

Thealoz Duo is the latest addition to Thea Pharmaceutical’s innovative preservative free range (www.theapharmaceuticals.co.uk) and is available in the ABAK® bottle £8.99 for 300 drops (NHS price) – and unit doses.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Pinto-Bonilla JC et al. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2015;11:595-603.

Luyckx J, Baudouin C. Trehalose: an intriguing disaccharide with potential for medical application in ophthalmology. Clin Ophthalmol 2011:5:577-81.

Schmidl D, et al. Cornea 2015;34(4):421-6.

Doan S et al. Acta Ophthamologica 2015;93,Supplement S255.

For further information contact: Thea Pharmaceuticals T: +44 (0)345 521 1290 E: thea.support@theapharma.co.uk www.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk

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you to its booth and hopes you will join in celebrating 100 years of British ophthalmic success!

For further information contact: Laura Haverley, UK Sales & Marketing Manager, Keeler Ltd T: +44 (0)1753 85717 E: info@keeler.co.uk www.keeler.co.uk

Introducing Cutting Edge’s SynthesisTM Acrylic Platform Cutting Edge SAS today announced it received CE Mark for Synthesis™ Acrylic IOL for the treatment of cataract patients.

Synthesis is the latest all-in-one innovations platform allowing for safe, reproducible and MICS (Micro Incision Cataract Surgery) through a sub-2mm incision. Its acrylic copolymer material has been used for more than 17 years in Ophthalmology. The 4-point fixation and C-Edge+ (≤5 microns) intraocular lens (IOL) features a 6mm optic and three anatomically friendly overall diameters to fit different capsular bag sizes. In addition, Synthesis posterior shift vaulted design allows for superior posterior capsule adhesion. Synthesis will be implanted in conjunction with a leading quality injector system (preloaded or cartridge loaded options). The IOL is immediately available in both clear or blue-light filtering designs.

The Synthesis monofocal IOL will serve as a platform for future additional optical enhancement and innovation to ease treatment of astigmatism and presbyopia.

For further information contact: Cutting Edge info@cutting-edge.eu

eye news | APRIL/MAY 2017 | VOL 23 NO 6 | www.eyenews.uk.com

NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE

First private ophthalmology practice in the UK takes delivery of OCT Angiography Module for SPECTRALIS The Windsor Eye Clinic, Berkshire, became the first private ophthalmology practice in the UK to take delivery of the OCT Angiography Module for SPECTRALIS. “Having evaluated a number of platforms on the market I decided on the SPECTRALIS because of the outstanding image quality, the modularity of the system, the upgradeability and the longterm support,” explains Sundeep Kheterpal, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Director at Windsor Eye Clinic.

“It was also important for us to work with a company who would be able to provide us with both the technical and clinical support into the long-term. SPECTRALIS allows us to make more informed choices regarding treatments and provides more accurate monitoring.

We are already seeing detail that we have never seen before on our ultrahigh resolution OCT2 scans and the OCT Angiography Module is already helping us to alter and modify treatment paradigms.”

Visit www.spectralis-oct-angiography.com to find out more.

For further information contact: Heidelberg Engineering Ltd. T: +44 (0)1442 502 330 E: info-UK@heidelbergengineering.com www.heidelbergengineering.com

Sterile Single-use Phaco Chopper – precision instruments you can depend on Leading Single-use instrument manufacturer DTR Medical complement their ophthalmic range with their Sterile Single-use Phaco Chopper which has been constructed with a meticulous design for accuracy and quality you can trust.

Manufactured using high-calibre stainless steel, the Phaco Chopper features a 50° angled shaft for improved flexibility and a rounded knurled handle which enables greater grip.

The fine tip allows for precision when breaking up the lens before phacoemulsification for an effective and efficient cataract removal surgery, making it the instrument of choice when it comes to these delicate procedures.

Established for over 10 years, DTR Medical is recognised as a high-quality supplier of single-use surgical instruments. Its collaboration with clinicians and academics at leading hospitals worldwide has enabled the company to develop a range of sterile single-use alternatives to re-usable instruments.

The benefits of such a move come from saving time, lives and cost.

For further information contact: DTR Medical T: +44 (0)1792 797910 E: marketing@dtrmedical.com www.dtrmedical.com

Glaucoma Update: iStent® As part of a global expansion initiative, Glaukos Corporation has established a UK operation to directly manage sales, marketing, training and support of the iStent®.

Glaukos Corporation is an ophthalmic medical technology company focused on the development and commercialization of breakthrough products and procedures designed to transform the treatment of glaucoma, one of the world’s leading causes of blindness. The company pioneered Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, or MIGS, to revolutionize the traditional glaucoma treatment and management paradigm.

Our mission is to pioneer and lead the global glaucoma market with micro-scale injectable therapies that advance the existing standardof-care and enrich the lives and treatment alternatives for glaucoma patients worldwide.

Our iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass stent is the first-ever MIGS solution, providing a viable alternative to daily, multi-dose prescription eye drop regimens or complex, invasive surgeries for numerous glaucoma patients. Believed to be the smallest device ever implanted in the human body, iStent® has been inserted into more than 250,000 eyes to date.

Inserted through a small corneal incision made during cataract surgery, iStent® bypasses the trabecular meshwork, which is the area of greatest resistance to aqueous humor outflow, and is placed directly into Schlemm’s canal, the eye’s drainage system. Once in place, it restores natural fluid outflow for sustained reductions in intraocular pressure. With more than five years of published efficacy and safety data, clinical studies

show that most iStent® patients experience a reduction in reliance on topical glaucoma medications [1].

Our breakthrough glaucoma devices are currently approved for use in more than 30 countries.

[1] data on file.

For further information contact: Glaukos, Customer Services T: +44 (0)800 3586049 E: customerservice-UK@glaukos.com www.glaukos.com

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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE

The history of Keeler for almost the entire hundred years - has left an indelible mark on the Keeler of today. Its enduring brand is a valuable company asset.

Professionals worldwide recognise and trust Keeler instruments for their quality, durability, reliability and integrity.

Today, Keeler is a strong contributor to its parent company, Halma plc and is proud to have been the first company in its medical stable. Halma itself, is one of the most admired organisations in the UK and is a global force in protecting people’s lives and improving their quality of life.

The story of Keeler began early in the twentieth century during the First World War and is one of innovation, foresight and enterprise.

When Charles Davis Keeler (CDK) set sail from Philadelphia in 1906 to set up the Standard Optical Company in London with his wife, daughter and two-year old son, Charles Henry, he could not have imagined the company he would

go on to pioneer.

From humble beginnings rooted in a strong family tradition, Keeler has evolved and grown for a century to become a global success in the design, manufacture and sale of ophthalmic and medical instruments.

Seventy years of being family-owned- and with the presence of a member of the family

For further information contact: Laura Haverley, UK Sales & Marketing Manager, Keeler Ltd T: +44 (0)1753 85717 E: info@keeler.co.uk www.keeler.co.uk

New Comfortear® LacrisolveTM 180 Absorbable Punctum Plugs Altacor is pleased to announce the addition of Comfortear® LacrisolveTM 180 Absorbable Punctum Plugs to its dry eye product portfolio.

LacrisolveTM plugs provide predictable occlusion therapy lasting up to 180 days, almost double the length of most other absorbable plugs. The new plugs are intended to temporarily treat the symptoms of dry eye disease, contact lens intolerance secondary to dry eye, and to increase efficacy of ocular medications and lubricants.

Made from an innovative polymer material called polydioxanone, the plugs are designed with precision and made for comfort. They are available in two sizes: 0.4mm and 0.5mm. The

implants are supplied sterile with two plugs provided per pack.

The plugs are effective in the horizontal canaliculi, are comfortable after proper placement and will not fall out of the punctum. Punctal dilation and topical anesthesia are not typically required for the insertion of the plugs.

Please contact Altacor to arrange a product demonstration.

For further information contact: Altacor T: +44 (0)1223 421411 E: info@altacor-pharma.com www.altacoreyeproducts.com

Ocu-GLO Human Vision Formula

Bruder Eye Hydrating Mask

Ocu-GLO Human Vision Formula™ is a blend of naturally occurring antioxidants that were specifically chosen to synergistically support the health of the human eye. This formula was designed based on research data from the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (i.e. ARED studies I and II). The ARED studies are a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute to identify the leading causes of vision loss in older humans.

Bruder Eye Hydrating Mask is a natural proven solution to problems of chronic dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, styes, chalazions and blepharitis.

Bruder Eye Hydrating Mask features patented MediBeads Technology with self-hydrating hygroscopic MediBeads.

When microwaved, the MediBeads generate penetrating and healing moist heat. Unique eye patch design with soft adjustable straps, convenient, effective, naturally anti-bacterial and hygienic, washable, reusable and durable, the Bruder Eye Hydrating Mask paves the way to life without problems of dry eyes and other eyelid margin disorders. Unique design makes the Bruder Eye Hydrating Mask universally suitable for people with small and large faces.

Bruder Stye Compress is a ‘single eye’ model of the Bruder Eye Hydrating Mask. Bruder Stye Compress is designed to combat styes and other disorders of the eyelid margin presenting on a single eye.

Made to the highest quality standards in compliance with Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC.

• • • • •

Helps maintain normal eye function and health.

Helps maintain ocular integrity and structure.

Helps support capillary health in the eye.

Promotes long-term ocular health.

This is based on both clinical experience and research findings over the past eight years.

For contents and further information visit www.visionarysurgicalsolutions.com For further information contact: Visionary Surgical Solutions T: +44 (0)1246 252 810 E: admin@visionarysurgicalsolutions.com www.visionarysurgicalsolutions.com www.natural-necessity.com

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For further information contact: Win Health Medical Ltd. T: + 44 (0)1835 864866 E: info@win-health.com www.win-health.com eye news | APRIL/MAY 2017 | VOL 23 NO 6 | www.eyenews.uk.com

NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE

VITREAL® S preservative free 4% triamcinolone formulation for use in endoocular surgery

Haag-Streit UK launch the new Ellex Tango Reflex laser in the UK

VITREAL® S is for use in endocular surgery to stain the vitreous body during vitrectomy. The micro particles of triamcinolone cause the vitreous humour to become opaque and make it easier to remove. VITREAL® S contains triamcinolone acetonide 4% preservative free and a saline buffer at pH 7.2. VITREAL® S is a CE marked preservative free medical device available in a single-use 0.1ml syringe containing 8mg of triamcinolone acetonide.

Each syringe should only be used for the treatment of a single eye. Contact Carleton Ltd regarding the use of VITREAL® S during vitrectomy or to place an order.

Haag-Streit UK is pleased to announce the launch of the new Tango Reflex laser system. Combining multiple treatment platforms in a single advanced laser system, the Tango Reflex includes four treatment modes; SLT for glaucoma, laser vitreolysis for floaters and capsulotomy and iridotomy treatments.

The Tango Reflex boasts the fastest firing rate in the industry and its highquality slit-lamp optics are optimised for both anterior and posterior YAG laser procedures. It provides a more natural stereoscopic view, combined with a small depth-of-field for precision focusing on structures in the anterior segment.

The proprietary slit-lamp illumination tower design offers optimised visualisation and illumination of the vitreous. This greatly minimises the potential for focusing errors and lowers the risk of damage to the natural lens or the retina.

For further details and to arrange a demonstration contact: Carleton T: +44 (0)1494 775811 E: carleton@carletonltd.com www.carletonltd.com

For further information contact: Haag-Streit UK T: +44 (0)1279 883829 E: tango@haag-streit-uk.com www.haagstreituk.com/tangoreflex

Thea Pharmaceuticals to withdraw Teoptic 1% Thea Pharmaceuticals Ltd currently market Teoptic 1% which is a Carteolol beta blocker eye drop indicated ‘For the reduction of intraocular pressure e.g. in ocular hypertension, chronic open angle glaucoma, some secondary glaucomas.’

We have regretfully made the decision to withdraw this product from the market when current supplies are exhausted.

The last supply from ourselves to UK wholesalers will be at the end of March.

Supplies for UK Pharmacies will likely be available until the middle to the end of April.

Thea Pharmaceuticals have informed the Department of Health of this planned withdrawal and they have established that supplies of Teoptic 1% will still be available via importation from other sources within the EU. This means there should be no interruption of patient treatment caused by our decision to stop marketing the product. A large proportion of the UK prescriptions for Teoptic 1% are already fulfilled by Parallel Imported product.

Supplies of Teoptic 2% will not be affected at this time.

For further information contact: Thea Pharmaceuticals T: +44 (0)345 521 1290 E: thea.support@theapharma.co.uk www.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk/

Cutting Edge SAS acquires Kestrel Ophthalmics Ltd.

Cutting Edge SAS announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Kestrel Ophthalmics Limited a highly respected distributor of latest innovations to the United Kingdom ophthalmic community.

Kestrel Ophthalmics has been supplying innovative technologies for over 16 years to NHS and private practices, whilst working alongside UK health care professionals in their everyday practice to help them deliver the highest quality of treatment they can. The company enable the ophthalmic community to deliver successful patient outcomes by supporting their needs with quality product portfolio and insightful, specialist knowledge.

Commenting on the acquisition, Cutting Edge General Managers, JeanPierre Boudet and Yves Brouquet said: “The agreement combines the strengths of both companies. Kestrel Ophthalmics seasoned management team has done a fantastic job of building a solid and successful operation that provides unparalleled customer service experience to local customers.”

“Our companies share a strong consumer focus, and the combination of the Cutting Edge’s IOL manufacturing capabilities and the Kestrel Ophthalmics commercial strengths will help deliver a richer and more comprehensive experience to UK surgeons and eyecare professionals. We are delighted to be joining forces with Cutting Edge.” commented Ian Ponsford, Kestrel Ophthalmics’ Managing Director.

For further information contact: Cutting Edge or Kestrel Ophthalmics E: info@cutting-edge.eu E: info@kestrelophthalmics.co.uk

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NEWS AND PRODUCT UPDATE

Eye-care mission to Uganda provides free eye tests to over 500 rural residents

With only 11 practising ophthalmologists[1] and 70 ophthalmic clinical officers[2] for a country of 36 million people, Uganda is chronically underserved by eye-care specialists. It is estimated that 1.5 million people suffer from avoidable blindness, a problem that is directly attributable to the desperate shortage of eye-care professionals.

In poorer rural communities, visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive error is accepted as part of normal life. The majority of Ugandans live outside the main cities, where access to services is difficult because the cost of transport is prohibitive and most treatment is unaffordable.

In January, three UK-based optometrists and an administrator set up eye clinics in four rural villages in impoverished areas of the country, in partnership with the local healthcare providers.

The Optometrists were Debbie Young, Kirsty Hutchinson and Fiona Broome. TheAdministrator was Rosemary Gorman, who ensured the smooth running of the clinics.

The clinics were only possible because of help from several UK suppliers, including Keeler, who donated a student ophthalmoscope / retinoscope set, as well as two sets which were purchased by the team. In addition, Ian Livingstone generously funded the team’s equipment purchases, Sussex Vision helped with a reduction on a Perkins Tonometer, and Foster Grant donated several hundred pairs of spectacles.

The short-term aim of the visit was to improve the sight of local people, while the longerterm aim was to share their knowledge with community healthcare workers to enable them to provide education and improved eye-care services at primary care level; to provide equipment to the Eye Unit at Jinja Hospital, one of Uganda’s 13 Regional Referral Hospitals; to work in partnership with the government’s glazing facility at Jinja; and finally to trial a new design of adjustable prescription spectacles on behalf of a UK charity.

The team tested over 500 patients and screened the vision of a further 168 patients. They also dispensed 322 pairs of spectacles. At the end of the clinics all equipment (from Keeler and other providers) was donated to the Eye Unit at Jinja Hospital. All four village leaders have asked the team to return to do further work in the future.

“It’s been an enormous privilege for the four of us to be involved in a project that has

improved and even transformed the lives of hundreds of people, from the 95-year-old man who wanted to peel his vegetables and read his Bible, to the four-year-old girl who can now see to read and write,” said Kirsty Hutchinson. “Collectively, we made some difficult lives a little easier.”

“Many thanks to everyone who supported us. The equipment was donated to the hard working, very poorly-equipped Ophthalmology Department at Jinja Hospital when we left Uganda. You would be amazed by the lack of decent working equipment with which they work.

They were so unbelievably grateful!” added Kirsty.

“We’re always very happy to support this kind of charitable work,” says Laura Haverley, Keeler’s Sales and Marketing Manager. “Eye-care and preventing vision loss are critical to overall health and quality of life.”

[1] Source: Dr Susan Kikira, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Jinja Hospital.

[2] Ophthalmic Clinical Officers have a Diploma in eye-care services which is a one year course offered from Jinja Hospital.

Company contact and reader enquiries: Laura Haverley, UK Sales & Marketing Manager, Keeler Ltd T: +44 (0)1753 85717 E: info@keeler.co.uk www.keeler.co.uk

Haag-Streit UK celebrates 100 years of Clement Clarke Limited This year marks the centenary of Clement Clarke and, throughout 2017, Haag-Streit UK, along with sister companies; Clement Clarke International, John Weiss & Sons and Clement Clarke Holdings, will be celebrating the long and varied history of Clement Clarke Limited.

From humble beginnings in 1917, when Clement Clarke Dispensing Opticians was formed, through its purchase by Haag-Streit AG in 1989, to the company we know today, the organisation boasts a rich history, which is celebrated in a new video production, ‘The Clement Clarke Centenary

Movie, 1917-2017 – the First 100 Years’.

The movie will be shown on the Haag-Streit UK stand at the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Annual Congress 2017. We would like to invite Congress attendees to join us on stand B to watch the movie and celebrate this exciting milestone with us.

For further information contact: Haag-Streit UK T: +44 (0)1279 883829 E: info@haag-streit-uk.com www.haagstreituk.com/events

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