Global recognition for Australian-made lens

Developed at Flinders University, the Watkins Fundus Lens has been adopted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) as a vital ophthalmic tool for use worldwide. The IAPB coordinates the managent of global eyecare, which includes the World Health Organisation (WHO) and all non-governmental organisations involved in the worldwide prevention of blindness.The unique design of the lens allows it to produce high-resolution images over a wide field of view, while also maintaining ease-of-use.{{quote-a:r-w:400-I:2-Q:“It’s a real world solution for a global probl.”-WHO:Rod Watkins, Associate Professor Flinders University}}“It’s a real world solution for a global probl. We introduced characteristics to the lens that are really important for people who use it – designing it for easier use and with higher resolution. It’s a significant step forward,” developer Associate Professor Rod Watkins said.The lens has already attracted international sales and is being manufactured by Adelaide-based ophthalmic equipment manufacturer Scan Optics, via an arrangent negotiated by the university’s commercialisation arm Flinders Partners.Scan Optics CEO Ms Anjula Thaper told Insight the increased exposure of the device being adopted by the IAPB would hopefully lead to more“The more exposure the lens gets obviously there is greater benefit to us, because we are the sole manufacturer,” she said.“It really depends on the exposure. For example, if there are 40-50 students in an optometry class and they all decide to buy the Watkins Lens (as a result) the dand goes high very quickly.”According to Thaper, the relationship between the company and Flinders University has existed for many years, however, it has become closer since the establishment of the optometry course. Scan Optics has previously consulted the university with regard to one of its in-house projects, a lightweight head mount called an Indirect Ophthalmoscope“Feedback from Flinders University during the design process helped enormously with the progress of this apparatus,” Thaper said.While Scan Optics’ sales are mostly international, it is also currently working with Flinders Optometry to develop a model eye simulator for teaching some eye examination procedures.