As the population ages, retinal disease causing loss of sight, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, are increasingly common. The ability to detect these diseases efficiently and as early as possible is extremely important.
The Centre collégial de transfert technologique en optique-photonique (OPTECH) affiliated with Cégep André-Laurendeau undertook a project in collaboration with Optina Diagnostic to improve the camera that takes detailed images of eyes to detect retina problems. Optina Diagnostic is a private company that provides retinal cameras that use super spectral imagery. This technology provides spectral and anatomical data from the back of the eye, allowing for earlier and less invasive detection of retinal disease.
Optech worked to improve the retinal camera by validating digital models of the various solutions that Optina proposed theoretically and then experimentally. Optech then designed and prototyped a new and improved opto-mechanical system that increased the precision of images from the back of the eye.
Jean-Philippe Sylvestre, Vice-President of R&D for Optina Diagnostics noted “The project was truly collaborative with the two teams working together to find an appropriate solution. Access to the Optech team’s expertise and to the equipment and laboratories was a considerable advantage in speeding up our development.”
