Screening macular pigment levels is set to become an easy process, thanks to new portable technology soon to be launched in Australia. The first compact macular pigment screener, the MPOD, has been designed by researchers at the University of Manchester and is manufactured in the UK. The MPOD has been available in the US for the past 2 years and has now been approved by the TGA for sale in Australia and New Zealand. It will be distributed locally by Optical Manufacturers on behalf of leading international supplier OptoGlobal.

“It is the first time that this technology has been available with a straightforward user response button, and it allows monitoring to take place after some very basic operator training” said Dr Ian Murray, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Life Science, University of Manchester.

Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50, is set to rise significantly with the ageing population. The opportunity for the additional screening is expected to win considerable favour with this demographic.

“As much as consumers have become aware of their cholesterol levels and the importance of monitoring and controlling them, we expect to see the same levels of awareness developing in relation to the density and absorption spectrum of macular pigment, the protective pigment within the macular” added Ian.

Shane Hage of OptoGlobal agrees: “This technology is one of the most exciting developments in Optometric diagnostics for years.  Practitioners are in a position to gain tangible benefits from this screening test. This will lead to vastly increased patient retention and visit frequency due to follow-up checks of their macular pigment. The 5-minute screening test is easily performed and can be done by the practice assistant.”

The MPOD uses heterochromatic flicker photometry, available for some 30 years, but never in such an accessible form.  The advent of high quality blue LEDs have enabled MPOD engineers to package the system in a more compact, easy to use, format.  The MPOD can also be transported for home visits, surgeries and hospitals as well as within the practice.

Connection to a PC or laptop running windows also allows results to be graphically analysed and a report of the patient’s macular condition to be saved and printed if required.

Opto Global develops and commercialises innovative ophthalmic and optometric devices including lasers, diagnostic devices, microscopes, retinal cameras and cornea cross-linking systems. Having an extensive distribution network covering more than 60 countries, OptoGlobal takes pride in its leading technologies. The company is poised for strong growth with a stream of new products coming to the market this year and Optical Manufacturers are pleased to distribute the MPOD in addition to OptoGlobal’s existing range of leading instruments which includes perimeters and visual acuity testers.

For more information please contact Optical Manufacturers on 1800 226 890 or via www.omf.com.au