Latest news with #OpticalCoherenceTomography
Cision Canada
30-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Specsavers to Open 111 New Optical Locations in Loblaw Grocery Stores Across Canada Français
Specsavers locations will open in select Loblaw grocery stores across Canada – including in Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore and Zehrs stores – while maintaining seamless continuity for customers and patients, and significantly expanding access to advanced eye care services including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology. The expansion also represents Specsavers' entry into five new provinces — New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan — and one new territory, Yukon, while strengthening its presence in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. "This expansion represents a pivotal moment for eye care accessibility in Canada," said Bill Moir, Managing Director of Specsavers Canada. "By opening 111 new locations within trusted Loblaw locations, we're fundamentally improving how Canadians access the eye care they deserve. Our mission has always been to change lives through better sight; we believe expert eye care and quality eyewear should be affordable for all. We are now able to expand that mission across the country, ensuring that more families can access comprehensive optical services in the communities where they already shop." New Specsavers locations will operate within existing Loblaws stores, providing customers and patients with convenient access to comprehensive eye examinations, prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and specialized eye care services. All locations will be staffed by qualified independent optometrists and opticians. "Theodore & Pringle was born from the belief that eye care should be convenient and affordable for everyone," said Irene Doody, Head of Optical, Loblaw Companies Limited. "Specsavers' reputation for accessible eye care aligns perfectly with our purpose - to help Canadians live life well. Specsavers will provide a seamless transition for our optical customers while introducing them to a trusted global leader in eye care." The first wave of new Specsavers locations within Loblaw stores is scheduled to open in September 2025, with additional locations following throughout the remainder of the year. About Specsavers Specsavers is an optometrist-owned business that entered the Canadian market in late 2021. Since then, over 150 locations have opened across the country, in B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba. As part of Specsavers' commitment to accessible eyecare, Specsavers equips every location with optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology, which helps optometrists to detect sight-threatening conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, in their earliest stages. Founded in the UK over 40 years ago by optometrist husband-and-wife team, Doug and Mary Perkins, there are now more than 2,700 Specsavers healthcare businesses globally, serving over 44 million patients and customers. Specsavers is driven by its purpose of "changing lives through better sight" and aims to transform the way Canadians experience eyecare by offering exceptional service, advanced clinical equipment and quality eyewear. For more information, please visit About Loblaw Companies Limited Loblaw is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, and the nation's largest retailer. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, and healthcare services, other health and beauty products, apparel, general merchandise, financial services and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,800 locations, Loblaw, its franchisees and Associate-owners employ more than 220,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers. Loblaw's purpose – Live Life Well ® – puts first the needs and well-being of Canadians who make one billion transactions annually in the company's stores. Loblaw is positioned to meet and exceed those needs in many ways: convenient locations; more than 1,100 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at nearly 1,400 Shoppers Drug Mart ® and Pharmaprix ® locations and in close to 500 grocery stores; PC Financial ® services; Joe Fresh ® fashion and family apparel; and four of Canada's top-consumer brands in Life Brand ®, Farmer's Market™, no name ® and President's Choice ®. For more information, visit Loblaw's website at and Loblaw's issuer profile at
Cision Canada
22-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Artificial Intelligence Influence in Ophthalmology Industry Projected to Create a Billion Dollar Revenue Opportunity
NEW YORK, /CNW/ -- According to a report from Research And Markets, the AI in Ophthalmology Market was valued at USD 209.23 million in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 1.36 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 36.79%. The rising prevalence of eye diseases, advancements in imaging technology, and expansion of teleophthalmology services are factors contributing to market growth. The report said: "In addition, growing preference for personalized treatment plans and increasing government initiatives fuel market growth further. The increasing prevalence of eye-related conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma, is a significant factor driving the adoption of AI in ophthalmology. As the population ages, the incidence of these diseases increases, creating a need for efficient and accurate diagnostic tools. For instance, according to the CDC, the estimated number of Americans living with glaucoma in 2022 was 4.22 million. AI algorithms can rapidly analyze complex retinal images, facilitating early detection and treatment. For instance, AI systems have shown high sensitivity and specificity in identifying diabetic retinopathy, which allows for timely interventions and reduces the risk of vision loss. Moreover, integrating advanced imaging techniques such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) with AI has revolutionized ophthalmic diagnostics. High-resolution imaging provides detailed views of ocular structures, which enhances diagnostic precision when analyzed by artificial intelligence (AI). The availability of large datasets from these imaging technologies allows for the training of robust AI models, improving their accuracy and reliability in clinical settings." Active healthcare/tech companies active in the diabetes treatment industry include: Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI), Alcon Inc. (NYSE: ALC), Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE: BLCO), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM). Research And Markets continued: "Furthermore, teleophthalmology, the remote delivery of eye care services, has gained traction, especially in underserved regions. AI is crucial in this expansion by enabling automated analysis of retinal images, facilitating remote diagnosis, and reducing the need for in-person consultations. This approach increases access to eye care and optimizes resource utilization in healthcare systems. For instance, in June 2024, C3 Med-Tech, an ophthalmic health tech startup, raised USD 0.23 million to launch AI-enabled, portable eye screening devices. The funding is expected to support telemedicine integration, real-time disease detection, and expansion across India, aiming to reduce avoidable blindness, especially in underserved communities facing a shortage of ophthalmologists. Moreover, AI's ability to analyze and interpret data from Electronic Health Records (EHRs) facilitates personalized treatment plans in ophthalmology. AI predicts disease progression by assessing patient history, genetic information, and imaging data and recommends tailored interventions, further contributing to market growth." Avant Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) Joint Venture Partner Presents AI Technology at Roche Ophthalmology Conference - Avant Technologies, Inc. ("Avant" or the "Company"), an emerging technology company developing healthcare solutions using both artificial intelligence (AI) and developments in biotechnology, today announced that Vinicio Vargas, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Avant's partner, Ainnova Tech, Inc., (Ainnova), was a featured speaker Friday and Saturday at Roche's Latin America "Macular Spectacular" Ophthalmology conference in Cartagena, Colombia. The conference highlighted the latest in scientific advances in treatments for the most common eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy, while also focusing on strengthening collaboration between industry specialists in Latin America. Ainnova's CEO, Vinicio Vargas, who is also a member of the Board of Directors of Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), the company formed by the partnership between Avant and Ainnova to advance and commercialize Ainnova's technology portfolio, discussed the status of AI and its uses in the industry to improve patient outcomes. Vargas and a host of renowned speakers that included Dr. Laura Velásquez, Dr. Roberto Gallego, Hugo Ocampo, and other ophthalmologists and experts presented the latest tools to transform visual health in the region, reflected on unmet needs, and explained how innovation can help build stronger, accessible, and patient-centered health systems. In Q4 2024, Ainnova entered a strategic alliance with global biotech, Roche, and leading pre-paid health plan provider, Salud 360, to start a pilot program to combat diabetic retinopathy using Ainnova's AI-powered, cutting-edge technology, Vision AI. The alliance aims at improving access to vision screening in patients with uncontrolled diabetes with the hope of decreasing the risks of diabetic retinopathy. If the program is successful, Avant and Ainnova hope to implement a similar program in the United States, Canada, and Europe through AAC. AAC has the worldwide licensing rights for Ainnova's technology portfolio, which includes Ainnova's Vision AI platform. In other diabetes developments and happenings in the biotech market include: Alcon Inc. (NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, recently announced that UNITY® Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) has received Health Canada approval. This innovation is the first to be introduced from Alcon's highly anticipated Unity portfolio. "Today marks an important day for Canadian ophthalmologists as we introduce the next generation of equipment solutions in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, and we are grateful to those who helped us reach this milestone," said Franck Leveiller, Head of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer, Alcon. "We have a long legacy of engaging our customers throughout the research and development process to design bold innovations in ophthalmology. This approval is a significant milestone in delivering meaningful impact for Canadian Eye Care Professionals and patients." Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE: BLCO), a leading global eye health company dedicated to helping people see better to live better, recently launched"Eyes Tell the Story: The Impact of Dry Eye." The campaign aims to educate about dry eye through personal stories, compelling imagery and new survey data, and encourages people with symptoms to speak with their eye doctor to find relief. Eyes Tell the Story builds upon Know Your Dry Eye, an educational campaign launched in 2024 that featured data and insights from the company's first State of Dry Eye survey, which showed the majority of Americans may not know that their eye symptoms are associated with eye dryness, despite the growing prevalence of dry eye. This year's survey, conducted among dry eye sufferers who are using either a prescription treatment or over-the-counter (OTC) product, further supports the need for more patient education and to dispel ongoing misconceptions surrounding dry eye. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) recently launched TECNIS Odyssey IOL in Europe, the Middle East, and Canada. The TECNIS Odyssey IOL was first launched in the US in October 2024. The TECNIS Odyssey IOL is a full vision range intraocular lens (IOL), built on the TECNIS platform from Johnson & Johnson, which, according to the company, provides 2 times better contrast in low lighting than PanOptix. The TECNIS Odyssey combines advanced optics and proprietary materials, offering consistently clear, high-contrast vision, according to the company. Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), a technology company leading the adoption of AI to advance precision medicine and patient care, recently announced it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Tempus ECG-Low EF (ejection fraction) software, which uses AI to identify certain patients who may have a low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Tempus ECG-Low EF joins Tempus ECG-AF as the second FDA-cleared ECG-AI device in Tempus' growing suite of next generation devices designed to identify patients at risk for a variety of cardiovascular conditions. "With Tempus ECG-Low EF, we're adding another powerful tool to the hands of clinicians to help them identify patients at risk for serious cardiovascular conditions much earlier in their care journey," said Brandon Fornwalt, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President of Cardiology at Tempus. "Detection of LVEF is essential for undiagnosed patients, and this technology enables us to deliver that capability at scale to transform patient care. The addition of a second FDA-cleared Tempus ECG-AI solution reflects our continued commitment to advancing AI-driven cardiology." DISCLAIMER: (MNU) is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. MNU is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. MNU and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. MNU'S market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. MNU is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed MNU was compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Avant Technologies, Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. MNU HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE. This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". 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Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Advanced Cardiac Centre at PGI beams live cardiac procedure to national conference in Mumbai
The Advanced Cardiac Centre (ACC) of PGIMER, Chandigarh, marked another significant milestone by successfully broadcasting a complex live case of post-cardiac surgery, bypass graft angioplasty to the prestigious National Interventional Council (NIC 2025), held in Mumbai from June 26–29. The live procedure was performed on June 28, by a team from the Department of Cardiology, ACC PGI, under the expert supervision and guidance of professor (Dr) Rajesh Vijayvergiya. The case was transmitted live from PGIMER's state-of-the-art catheterisation laboratory to an audience of national and international experts attending the scientific meeting. The patient was an elderly male who had undergone coronary bypass surgery 15 years ago and coronary angioplasty of one of the blocked bypass grafts four years ago. He presented with chest pain due to blockage of a previously implanted stent and new blockages of other bypass grafts. During the live case broadcast, two bypass grafts were successfully treated using advanced interventional strategies, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) — techniques that are available at only a select few centres in India. 'These are technically demanding procedures requiring specialised skills and precision. It reflects our ongoing commitment to offering world-class cardiac care at an affordable cost,' stated Vijayvergiya. The live case stimulated an engaging panel discussion among eminent national and international cardiologists, who shared insights on lesion complexity, tool selection, and alternative treatment strategies. The session provided a valuable educational platform, highlighting the evolving best practices in interventional cardiology. 'These live case demonstrations, regularly broadcast from the department of Cardiology, PGI, to major scientific forums nationally and internationally, serve as powerful tools for professional development. They help interventional cardiologists stay updated with novel and evidence-based techniques, fostering continuous improvement in patient care,' added Vijayvergiya.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Can AI-driven tech make heart diseases preventable?
New Delhi: As cardiovascular disease continues to top the global chart of chronic illnesses, technology is emerging as the most powerful ally in combating it. In a conversation with Dr. Ethan Korngold , Divisional Vice President Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for Abbott's vascular business, we explore how artificial intelligence (AI), minimally invasive devices , and digital health are reshaping cardiovascular care—from high-tech cath labs to underserved rural India. The Rise of Smart Heart Care 'Heart care is moving fast—and we're moving with it,' says Dr. Korngold. Abbott's Ultreon 2.0, an AI-enhanced imaging platform that uses Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to offer 20 times magnification over standard angiograms. This ultra-HD view lets cardiologists measure artery size, assess blockages, and determine plaque composition—rapidly and accurately. 'With Ultreon, decision-making in the cath lab is more precise and faster,' explains Dr. Korngold. 'It's like shifting from blurry black-and-white to crystal-clear, color-rich imaging. The AI processes data in real-time, helping doctors place stents with pinpoint precision and improve patient outcomes.' The promise of AI in cardiovascular care isn't limited to imaging. Abbott is already piloting Virtual Flow Reserve (VFR), a cutting-edge technology that will use AI to estimate the severity of blockages by analyzing blood flow dynamics—non-invasively. This could significantly reduce unnecessary procedures by helping physicians target the most critical lesions. Abbott's MitraClip has revolutionized how leaky heart valves are treated. Delivered via a vein rather than through open-heart surgery, MitraClip is a lifeline for patients deemed too high-risk for traditional operations. 'It restores quality of life with minimal recovery time,' Dr. Korngold notes. Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder—a device no larger than a pea that helps close a life-threatening heart defect (patent ductus arteriosus) in premature infants weighing as little as 700 grams. 'This is one of the tiniest devices with one of the biggest impacts,' he says. Tackling Complex Heart Cases Dr. Korngold sees a future where AI can predict blockages before they form, allowing doctors to prevent heart attacks before patients feel a single symptom. Abbott's XIENCE Sierra , part of its flagship drug-eluting stent family, is built for complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. Its adaptive design and unique fluoropolymer coating make it easier to navigate tortuous arteries and reduce risks of clotting and restenosis. 'XIENCE Sierra gives doctors the flexibility and control they need in difficult cases, with long-term performance,' explains Dr. Korngold. For heavily calcified arteries, Abbott's acquisition of Cardiovascular Systems Inc. (CSI) brought in the Diamondback 360 Orbital Atherectomy System. Using a diamond-coated crown, this system gently sands away hardened plaque, making vessels more compliant and easier to treat with stents or balloons. 'It's a key tool in our arsenal for treating high-risk patients who need precision and safety,' he adds. Reaching Rural India One of the most exciting opportunities lies beyond hospitals. In remote and underserved areas, virtual care is bridging the healthcare divide. The smart implantable devices—pacemakers and heart monitors—can now transmit data wirelessly to physicians, enabling remote monitoring and treatment adjustments. 'Patients no longer need to travel miles for routine follow-ups,' says Dr. Korngold. 'We're building scalable, connected care ecosystems that empower both patients and providers—especially in resource-constrained settings.' AI and digital health are set to redefine every stage of cardiovascular care—from early risk detection to remote patient monitoring and precision-guided interventions.
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Intalight™ Receives CE Mark for Its Progressive DREAM OCT™ Swept Source Imaging
SAN JOSE, Calif. and SHANGHAI, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Intalight ™, a company that develops advanced ophthalmic technologies and a leader in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) today announced it has received CE mark for its DREAM OCT ™ platform. The CE mark serves as approval by the European Union (EU) to commercialize DREAM OCT, the newest version of OCT. DREAM stands for: Deep imaging depth, Rapid sweeping speed, Extensive scan range, Accurate results, and Multimodal imaging capabilities. The imaging platform provides the highest quality OCT images currently on the market. "Intalight is incredibly proud to receive CE mark approval in Europe for our DREAM OCT," said Intalight chairman and Founder, Shawn Peng. "This achievement allows us to provide ophthalmologists in Europe with state-of-the-art technology that delivers improved results for their patients." DREAM OCT is able to cover an ultrawide field single scan which delivers a 130° OCTA image. DREAM OCT ™ swept-source 12 mm super-depth scanning allows superior imaging of the choroid and retina, and a large portion of the vitreous space. The super-depth anterior scanning capabilities achieves 16.2 mm (in air), allowing for the complete anterior segment from the cornea to the anterior part of the vitreous to be scanned in only one scan. The longer wavelength allows for superior penetration through opacities in either lens or vitreous. "Over the past few years, we've heard from eye care professionals that they need a solution that gets them over the imaging finish line with speed, accuracy and depth," said Intalight CEO and Co-Founder, Bing Li. "DREAM OCT delivers a full set of imaging modalities for the most challenging clinical and research applications for the retina and outperforms everything else HCP's know." Using ultra-wide swept-source technology, DREAM OCT was developed to address the needs of retina specialists, comprehensive ophthalmologists and their patients with highly-detailed imaging capabilities for improved care and results. Currently, more than 160 peer-reviewed papers have utilized findings from DREAM OCT devices. "This is such exciting news for Intalight that there's no more waiting in Europe, and we look forward to being able to provide this innovative solution in the US," remarked Intalight Chief Commercial Officer, Joe Garibaldi. "We look forward to continuing to grow our prestigious network of global institutions and ophthalmologists with our recent CE approval and eventually our FDA approval." As the clinically validated leader of ultra-wide field OCTA, Intalight is currently collaborating with the top retina academic institutions and retina private practices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. About Intalight Intalight Inc. was founded by a group of scientists and industry veterans of Silicon Valley with a core mission to develop the most advanced ophthalmic technologies. There are now three sites in Silicon Valley, Shanghai, and Luoyang. Intalight's Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device combines Deep imaging depth, Rapid sweeping speed, Extensive scan range, Accurate lesion detection and Multimodal imaging capabilities, and is abbreviated as DREAM OCT ™. The powerful imaging device has become an indispensable tool for many ophthalmologists in not only their daily clinical use but also their exploration of the research frontiers. To learn more about Intalight and DREAM OCT, please visit our website at and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
