New eye technology to help optometry students lead the fight against diabetes

A device that can aid the detection of diabetes through the eye has been donated to Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU).

Technology enterprise Optos has donated a Daytona unit to the University’s vision sciences department − a high-resolution wide-field imaging device that can capture 80% of the retina in a single image. It aids the detection of many eye conditions including diabetes and retinal detachment or tears.

Dr Alice McTrusty, optometrist and vision sciences lecturer, said: “Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the back of the eye and can occur in people with diabetes. It is the most common cause of blindness among people of working age in the UK.

“Being able to image the retinal periphery can help early detection of this condition and save somebody’s sight. It may also result in the detection of previously undiagnosed diabetes.

“We must ensure that our students leave GCU having been trained to the highest standard and with experience of using the most up-to-date cutting-edge technology.

“The Daytona will ensure this, allowing them to provide outstanding patient care. It will enable our students to enter the profession with the knowledge to help inform best clinical practice.”

The Daytona is an upgrade to the Optomap device which Optos donated to GCU in 2010, and is worth around £70,000.

GCU has the only vision sciences teaching unit in Scotland and the centre is open to members of the public for eye examinations. City University in London is the only other UK institution to possess a Daytona.

Chris Willis, Optos Sales Director, said: “We are proud to support the GCU optometry programme. We believe that this is an exciting opportunity to partner with both the faculty and students to deliver state-of-the-art imaging technology that will help save sight and save lives.”