Research-based yellow filter launched
The AVS filter can be clipped onto a range of compatible slit lamps
Aston Vision Sciences (AVS), a spin-out from Aston University’s School of Optometry, has officially launched its first product to market – the AVS fluorescein filter.
As reported in Dispensing Optics after 100% Optical earlier this year, where it was showcased, the filter allows for high-fidelity viewing of the anterior surface with a custom yellow coloured formula tuned to work close to the fluorescein emission spectrum.
It has a retro-fit design so it can be clipped on to many common slit lamp models – allowing for hands-free use – and providing a lower-cost option for eyecare clinicians in High Street practice and hospitals.
The novel filter was developed by AVS founder, Dr Karl Obszanski, during his PhD studies at Aston University, under the supervision of Professor James Wolffsohn, head of the School of Optometry, and Dr Thomas Drew. Dr Obszanski’s research focused on new diagnosis techniques for common eye conditions, and led him to look at existing diagnosis methods, how well current machines work, and the high cost of many of them.
Dr Obszanski explained: “Many solutions on the market today do not perform as well as they could and this is due to cost and the inability to create just the right colour formula to give best performance. We have cracked this secret recipe and incorporated our custom colour formula into a convenient, low-cost solution.”
Professor Wolffsohn commented: “It is great to see a robust, regulatory approved yellow filter based on our research, become available for all those slit lamp biomicroscopes that don’t have one built in. A yellow filter is vital for optimised viewing of fluorescein on the ocular surface and its spectral transmission needs to be carefully selected.”
Dr Obszanski started the spin-out company to commercialise the low-cost fluorescein filter technology in 2020. AVS now aims to develop original and innovative devices based on intensive market research in collaboration and consultation with eyecare professionals. AVS also intends to serve less affluent regions globally.
Dr Obszanski explained: “We have been working extremely hard on our next solutions and I am glad to say that AVS has two exciting products that will be released in the coming months and again share the same core values – to allow clinicians to perform their best through giving them easy-to-use solutions that will enable them to reach more patients and preventing blindness through early intervention.
“Whether in a care home in the UK or a remote village in the developing world, our next products will have the portability and functionality to conduct common tests and triage patients to get the care they need as early as possible and help prevent blindness for millions of people around the world,” he added.