Structured Eye, a spin-out from City University London, has launched out from the institution with the goal of transforming detection of eye diseases.
Setting its sights on both Western and developing world markets, the company is hoping to fill a void between inexpensive ophthalmoscopes and high-end hospital-based devices. Some sight loss can be prevented if caught early on. However, some diseases may not have a substantial impact on vision until irreversible sight loss has begun, and can’t be detected through current low-cost eye scanning equipment.
The UK-based firm plans to develop a device which can provide retinal images of a high enough quality to catch such diseases at a low cost. Following proof-of-concept funding from the Chariot Partnership for an undisclosed amount, the company will now conduct further clinical evaluation while developing the instrument.
David Kelly, managing partner of Chariot Partnership, said: “Our not-for-profit clinical partners in India set us the challenge to find a low-cost, portable device for the early, pre-symptomatic detection of chronic open-angle glaucoma. We reviewed cutting edge research from across the globe and came to Dr Gruppetta on the basis that we believed his work offered the best chance of addressing this pressing clinical need. We are excited to be working together to put Steve’s research into action.”
