The Adelaide-based ophthalmic device manufacturer unveiled the product at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery’s annual meeting in San Diego this week, following notification of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on April 12.Ellex head of investor relations and corporate development Dr Tom Duthy said Eye Prime was the latest advance in the company’s ultrasound portfolio, which also includes Eye Cubed and Eye One.He told Insight that revenue of the company’s ultrasound segment – which represents 5% of Ellex’s overall revenue – had been in decline in recent times, falling to 32% in the first half of FY19. The downturn, he said, could be attributed to competition, as well as clinician customers awaiting the launch of new ultrasound products from Ellex.Duthy believed Eye Prime presented a “competitive offering” to the market that could stimulate the financial performance of Ellex’s ultrasound segment.{{quote-A:R-W:450-I:2-Q: This new version of Eye Prime has much greater depth of vision and visual acuity than our previous iterations, which puts it ahead of competitors, we believe -WHO:Dr Tom Duthy, Ellex}} “Ophthalmological diagnostic equipment like ultrasound is a competitive space, however we believe the improvents in Eye Prime, in terms of ‘imageability’ of the fine eye structures that ophthalmologists rely upon to diagnose and treat, will be an advantage. This new version of Eye Prime has much greater depth of vision and visual acuity than our previous iterations, which puts it ahead of competitors, we believe.”According to the company, Eye Prime’s diagnostic ultrasound technology assists eye care professionals to evaluate pathology of the eye, and features a multifocal array of six focal points, providing clear focus to improve image definition and clarity.It is also said to offer increased depth of field and real-time dynamic imaging, allowing enhanced viewing of fine and intricate structures within the eye that cannot be seen with competing devices. A scientific case series also donstrated Eye Prime’s ability to provide real-time visualisation of vitreous floaters during laser treatment, and illustrated its safety profile.Dr Timothy Fuller, an ocular oncologist and medical retina specialist at Texas Retina Associates, said: “Eye Prime greatly enhances my ability to follow intraocular tumours and more precisely analyse their characteristics. As a medical retina specialist, the improvents in resolution of the Eye Prime help me better diagnose and treat other retinal conditions including tears and vitreous detachments.”Ellex CEO Mr Ged Wallace – a global healthcare executive who was appointed to the position a month ago – said he was pleased to secure clearance in the key US market, and initial clinician feedback was highly positive.Eye Prime has previously obtained European regulatory approval.Sample Ultrasound
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