Multinational ophthalmic device company Topcon has expanded its footprint in Australia with the introduction of a business segment overseeing the roll out of a new software platform that connects all ophthalmic imaging devices regardless of the manufacturer.
Topcon Healthcare Solutions (THS) Australia & New Zealand is the newest addition to the Topcon business, which will now feature alongside the company’s agriculture and positioning branches in Australia.
Based in Melbourne, THS launched in late 2019 with company director and experienced IT professional Mr Chris Mather, alongside engineers Mr Anton Pretorius and Mr Walter Palomino, and orthoptist Ms Vicki Paras leading the clinical sales division.
“Our aim is to provide and deliver the next generation in technology along with exceptional service to all new and existing Topcon customers,” Mather said.
“We are very pleased to be working alongside our longstanding distributer of hardware, Device Technologies, who will continue to provide exceptional device sales and servicing of Topcon equipment.”
With the establishment of THS, Australian eyecare professionals will now have access to Topcon’s Harmony Ophthalmology PACS platform from this month.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration- approved technology is a web-based data management application that connects all ophthalmic imaging devices regardless of the manufacturer.
“Our main focus is to create clinic- oriented software solutions,” Paras said. “One of Harmony’s most unique features is its ability to integrate images from all makes and models of diagnostic equipment, which helps to create significant workflow benefits.”
Traditionally, eyecare professionals may have been required to open multiple viewing platforms to assess various scans for a single patient. Ultimately, Harmony removes the need to examine images on device-specific software.
“Because it’s web-based it offers secure, cloud hosting and storage, so you can access patient information anytime, anywhere,” Paras said.
According to the company, Harmony syncs with all common electronic medical record systems to transfer patient information, helping minimise potential errors. It incorporates an inbuilt referral system which improves the referral process with its functionality and ease of use.
Additionally, the system can integrate with the latest in artificial intelligence for the screening of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Topcon is offering a range of Harmony package options to suit single practitioner clinic or multi-practice organisations such as ophthalmic and optical chains as well as hospitals, where it is designed to improve internal and inter-practice communications.
The software is already available in the US and European markets, with Australian optometrists and ophthalmologists getting their first glimpse during a demonstration at the RANZCO Congress in November last year.
Despite only launching this month, Paras said the company has been heartened by the local interest already.
“It’s nice to know that the tiny glimpse of Harmony is already generating attention and excitement. We are looking forward to sharing our technology with eyecare professionals and creating a space for improved clinical assessment and a more efficient workflow.”
