Optica Foundation Unveils Vision Research Advancements

The Optica Foundation has disclosed significant advancements in vision research, showcasing projects funded through the 2023 Optica Foundation Challenge. Two research initiatives led by distinguished scientists aim to bring about changes in healthcare diagnostics using innovative light-based techniques.

Fernando Zvietcovich, PhD, from Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Peru, is leading a project focused on addressing challenges in diagnosing glaucoma, specifically normotensive glaucoma (NTG). Zvietcovich's proposal involves the development of a clinical multi-excitation optical coherence elastography system to tackle difficulties associated with early detection and intervention in NTG.

"This field of applying OCT with other imaging modalities and excitation sources is really just emerging," Zvietcovich noted in a press release. "We're measuring properties in the human eye and changes in biomechanics that were not possible to measure before, and we have entered a new dimension with the information that we can now see. We're in the early stages of new ways to monitor and propose treatments for the eye."

The proposed system utilizes optical coherence tomography (OCT) to provide high-resolution structural images of the eye. Simultaneously, it leverages air and ultrasonic pulses to excite mechanical waves in the cornea, offering valuable biomechanical information for obtaining corrected and adjusted intraocular pressure values, facilitating the detection of NTG.

Zvietcovich aims to move expeditiously, with plans to finalize designs and construct a prototype optical coherence elastography system within six months. Following this, he intends to conduct modeling tests to refine the approach before transitioning the system to clinical settings. His ultimate goal involves conducting a preliminary patient study with 20 control patients, 20 patients with NTG, and 20 patients with high-tension glaucoma.

Samantha Grist, PhD, from The University of British Columbia, Canada, is also contributing to the evolving landscape of healthcare diagnostics. Her project involves a light-based technique to aid in the diagnosis of menopause.

Both research initiatives have received significant support, each being granted $100,000 from the Optica Foundation to advance their work. Alan Willner, Chair of the Challenge Selection Committee, expressed interest in the innovative approaches: "As healthcare diagnostics advance, new opportunities for non-invasive, light-based techniques continue to emerge. Both Dr. Grist and Dr. Zvietcovich are exploring novel, innovative ways of using light to address issues found in current modalities—precisely the kind of exemplary work the Optica Foundation Challenge strives to address."

Reference

Photonic Technologies Introduce New Ways to Diagnose Menopause and Glaucoma. Press release. Released December 4, 2023. Accessed December 11, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/photonic-technologies-introduce-new-ways-to-diagnose-menopause-and-glaucoma-302004779.html