Novel Optical Technology
With 9 international patents covering measurement techniques and optical technology, Occuity strives for constant and revolutionary innovation. Our ambitious and experienced team are leading the way to tackle with world’s most prevalent chronic diseases.
The Power of the Eye
Connected to the brain via the optic nerve, most people take it for granted that the human eye is simply the organ that each of us use to perceive the world around us. In recent years however, science has come to understand that the eye is far more than
this and rather than being just the means by which we see the outside world we can also look into the eye to discover changes happening within our bodies.
In particular, chronic diseases such as Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease leave tell-tale marker proteins behind as the disease progresses and by studying subtle variations in the amount and distribution of these markers within different structures of the eye,the early detection and monitoring of these diseases
can be made possible.
Building on this principle, Occuity have developed patented technologies able to detect and analyse these disease markers and are applying them to create a range of handheld non-invasive screening and monitoring devices that could radically change the way that these major health issues are detected and treated.
Technology
Occuity's devices are based on a sound understanding of optics allied with medical research into physiological variations in the eye caused by either disease or biochemical changes.
The devices use a low power beam of light to measure the thickness of the cornea, fluorescence reflections from the lens or in some cases multiple techniques to achieve either measurements or monitoring parameters. Occuity use a patented novel optical technique based on scanning confocal technology that allows the use of very low power beams of light but is still able to collect the return signal from the reflections and fluorescence within the eye.
Our Products
The following graphic provides an overview of how the various Occuity devices work:
Occuity Blood Glucose Monitoring Device
Will seek to determine the glucose level in the eye from a variety of measurements primarily in the aqueous humour.
Occuity Ophthalmic Devices
Will measure different parameters of the eye. The PM1 will measure corneal thickness for pachymetry. Following devices will measure axial length, keratometry and pupillometry.
Occuity Screening Devices
Will seek to analyse flourescence from markers over time in the ocular lens and other parts of the eye.
High Speed Confocal Scanning Technology
Occuity’s high-speed scanning confocal technology is an adaptation of a proven optical measurement technique that is normally used in very high-end microscopes. The key advantages of the confocal system are that it has high spatial discrimination, can evaluate an item under test that is behind or within a
confounding medium and is non-contacting.
Deliberately building on established components from the telecommunications industry the patent-protected Occuity confocal scanning technology is robust and cost-effective whilst retaining accuracy and resolution in a small footprint.
The resulting devices enable data to be collected at up to 1kHz and beyond whilst simultaneously scanning several millimetres. When measuring the eye, this fast scan speed enables the eye to be effectively “frozen” and the accuracy of the measurements
improved dramatically.
Compact
The patented Occuity “bi-di” source-receiver module is extremely
compact and enables the whole measurement system to be reduced in size to a handheld format.
Versatile
The optics can also be configured to detect different wavelengths of light to that used to illuminate the item under test. With this system, the fluorescent signature of specific compounds can be detected and can be used to screen for the markers for medical conditions.
Accurate
The combination of the high-resolution position encoder (patented), the scanning technology (patent filed) and the data processing algorithm (tacit IP) mean that the devices are each capable of sub-micrometre accuracy.
Optical MedTech Specialist
Occuity have come a long way since the company was founded in 2019. We have established a strong leadership group with the experience required to commercialise our technology, coupled with an engineering team highly skilled in optics, electronic engineering and product design.
Led by our CTO, Dr Robin Taylor, Occuity is growing and has the ambition to continue to build a team that are world leaders in the field of optical medical technology. It's an exciting journey. If you would like to join us, check out our careers page to find out more.
Technology & Design
Some key design requirements for our range of devices are that each should be cost effective, simple to operate and must be able to be used in non-clinical environments such as pharmacies, opticians or even in a domiciliary setting. The glucose meter goes beyond even this and will be a personal use device
Led by our Design Director, Daniele De Iuliis, the necessity to combine form and function is incredibly important to everyone at Occuity. Our objective is to deliver devices which not only deliver exceptional performance, but that are a pleasure to own and use.
Patents
Occuity is committed to protecting and growing its shareholder value by patenting the novel aspects of its research and development that underpin the planned devices. The technology underpinning Occuity's devices is protected by 9 granted patents to which Occuity have exclusive access. Six more patents covering novel techniques used in the various devices are in progress and it is anticipated that further will be applied for as part of the ongoing research program within the company.
Grants and Research
Occuity has a long-term vision to study the eye and release the huge volume of information it contains about the health of the body.
Dr. Alistair Bounds recently joined Occuity as part of a £1.4m Future Leaders Fellowship programme to look at ocular imaging for chronic and systemic disease assessment.
The grant opens up a new area for Occuity in targeting retinal imaging in a way that is highly complementary to the company’s existing programme of innovative research.
