Optos Wins 2019 Queen’s Award for Enterprise Innovation
UK-based Optos has been recognized for its innovation with a 2019 Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
Optos, which has sold more than 16,000 of its ultra-widefield imaging devices to eyecare professionals across the world, won the coveted accolade for the design of its California device, which was developed and manufactured at its Fife headquarters in Scotland.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise recognizes businesses in the UK who excel in international trading, innovation or sustainable development. This is the third time Optos has been awarded a Queen’s Award, having previously won for Enterprise in International Trade in 2001 and 2007.
Optos provides ultra-widefield imaging technology, which gives a 200° view of the retina in a single capture. The company was founded in 1992 by Douglas Anderson, who was inspired to commercialize cutting-edge retinal imaging technology after his son went blind in one eye from a retinal detachment being detected too late. The company has expanded significantly since that time and sells devices across the world with its main markets being in North America, Europe and Asia. Optos was acquired by Nikon Corporation in 2015.
The imaging technology provides optometrists and ophthalmologists with a bigger picture and more clinical information which facilitates the early detection, management and effective treatment of disorders and diseases evidenced in the retina such as retinal detachments and tears, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
“The California device has continued to strengthen the position of Optos at the forefront of the global retinal imaging market,” Robert Kennedy, Optos CEO, said in a company news release. “The innovative technology within the device provides superior imaging which had been demonstrated in over 600 clinical studies to aid the enhancement of patient care.”
“To be recognised by such a prestigious business award is a great achievement for the entire team in the UK and across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. It is a testament to their efforts to provide our customers with the best devices to support their clinical care and help to improve practice efficiency. Most of all, it reinforces our commitment to keep innovating in the fight against vision loss,” Mr. Kennedy said.