SARATOGA, Calif., Oct. 20 VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc., a developer of advanced visual prosthetic devices for individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), today announced upcoming scientific and corporate presentations on its implantable telescope technology. VisionCare's investigational telescope implant is the first medical device to be recommended for FDA approval by the FDA Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel for End-Stage AMD, a leading cause of untreatable blindness in the U.S.
Advertisement
At the AAO annual meeting, VisionCare is in Booth #5437 located in the West Hall of the Moscone Convention Center.
About the Telescope Device
Advertisement
The investigational Implantable Miniature Telescope (by Dr. Isaac Lipshitz) is designed to be a solution for moderate to profound vision loss due to advanced, end-stage forms of AMD that have no current surgical or medical treatment options. Smaller than a pea, the telescope prosthetic device is implanted in one eye in an outpatient surgical procedure. In the implanted eye, the device renders enlarged central vision images over a wide area of the retina to improve central vision, while the non-operated eye provides peripheral vision for mobility and orientation. On March 27, the FDA Ophthalmic Devices Advisory Panel unanimously recommended that the FDA approve, with conditions, the premarket application (PMA) for VisionCare's device for End-Stage AMD. The telescope implant is the first medical device to be recommended by the panel for FDA approval for End-Stage AMD, a leading cause of untreatable blindness in the U.S. The company anticipates FDA approval within the next few months. The device has received CE Mark approval in Europe.
About Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a disorder of the central retina, or macula, which is responsible for detailed vision that controls important functional visual activities like recognizing faces and watching television. According to the National Eye Institute over 1.7 million Americans over age 50 suffer mild to profound vision loss from advanced AMD, which frequently culminates as End-Stage AMD (visual impairment due to untreatable advanced AMD). Patients affected in both eyes often experience a loss of independence, social interaction, and have difficulty with activities of daily living requiring detailed vision. Approximately half of the individuals living with advanced AMD are affected in both eyes.
About VisionCare
VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Saratoga, CA is a privately-held company focused on development, manufacturing, and marketing of visual prosthetic devices. The Implantable Miniature Telescope was invented by company founders, Yossi Gross and Isaac Lipshitz. Information on VisionCare can be found at www.visioncareinc.net.
Three podium presentations are scheduled as follows: American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting October 23 - 27, 2009 - Moscone Center, San Francisco. - Friday, October 23 Session: AAO Retina 2009 Subspecialty Day, Late Breaking Developments Location: Moscone Center South, Esplanade Ballroom 3:28 PM Long-term Data on the Implantable Telescope Technology Jeffrey S. Heier, MD, Vitreoretinal Specialist, Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, Boston, MA. - Monday, October 26 Session: AAO Joint Meeting, Symposium 25 Location: Moscone Center South, Esplanade Ballroom 5:14 PM Implantable Miniaturized Telescope Mark R. Wilkins, MD, Cornea/Cataract Specialist, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London. Ophthalmology Innovation Summit (OIS) October 22, 2009 - The Palace Hotel, San Francisco. - 8:50 AM VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Allen W. Hill, President and CEO
SOURCE VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc.
