Ultra-widefield retinal imaging - a race to the top of the market?
2018 is set to be the year of ultra-widefield retinal imaging- a technology that is making waves in the eye care market.
Optos’ recent announcement of their new Monaco model brings a new development to the market, and proves that the race to be market leader is most definitely on.
What does ultra-widefield imaging do?
Ultra-widefield imaging allows eye care professionals to view over 80% of the retina, including the periphery. It allows for diagnosis and treatment of ocular issues present there that may have been missed through traditional imaging techniques and, therefore, left untreated.
The race to be market leader
As with many emerging technologies, there are a few big names vying to be market leader with their offerings. In the case of ultra-widefield imaging, those companies come in the form of Optos and Carl Zeiss.
What about their technologies put these companies head to head in the race to be market leader?
Optos’ California/Daytona
Optos are the current market leader with their California and Daytona models. The latter is the original ‘next generation’ ultra-widefield retinal imaging device from Optos. Some key features of these models are:
- Each model comes with a variety of imaging modalities
- The standard capture for each model is 200 degrees
- Imaging provides a detailed view of the macula
- Systems use image pairing technologies for optic disc and retinal evaluation
- Some advanced models come with software that allows for documentation, monitoring and referral processing for patient management
Zeiss’ Clarus
Carl Zeiss are set to storm the market this year with their latest offering, the Clarus system. It ‘provides true colour and high-resolution across and entire ultra-widefield image’. The Clarus system offers the following features:
- True colour and high resolution images – down to 7 microns
- Technology can be used to track changes over time with their intuitive review software
- The systems are designed to optimise patient experience – there is no need to realign patients during the process because of the design of the machine
- Live IR preview allows the user to ensure the image is free from obstructions such as lashes before proceeding with the imaging
In comes the Monaco…
Just over a week ago Optos announced their new Monaco model – the first ultra-widefield imaging device with built in OCT capabilities. It provides all of the ultra-widefield imaging functions outlined above as well as 40 degree OCT views of retinal structures.
Could this shake up the market?
The impact upon talent
These developments will certainly have an impact upon talent and recruitment.
Companies in the ultra-widefield imaging market will want the best talent to help their journey to market leader, including top sales teams, marketers and engineers. Recruitment plans will need to be made to make the most of the emerging market.
It’ll certainly be interesting to see how this market develops over the coming months!
To find out more about our insight into the eye care market, download our Eye Care Talent Report here