Glasgow Eye Students Make it a First

GLASGOW, Scotland, Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Optometry and Dispensing Optician students at Glasgow Caledonian University received a massive boost becoming the first in Scotland to benefit from state of the art eye diagnostic technology following a donation from Optical Express.

The Oculus Pentacam which offers a precise analysis of the eye was given to the University Eye Clinic by Optical Express, Europe's largest provider of laser eye surgery, reinforcing its support to the University's Centre of Excellence.

The new equipment will allow students in the Department of Vision Sciences the opportunity to use advanced technology as part of the four year optometry degree enabling them to get a better understanding of the entire cornea, anterior chamber and crystalline lens.

Dr Scott Mackie, Professional Services Director, Optical Express said:

"The Oculus Pentacam will offer students the opportunity to explore and understand a more complex view of the eye. It will give them a fascinating insight into the cornea at an early stage of their development.

We remain committed to helping and supporting the Department of Vision Sciences as they develop and nurture our next generation of leading eye specialists."

Dr Niall Strang, Acting Head of Vision Sciences, from Glasgow Caledonian University said:

"We are very fortunate to be the only University in Scotland with such advanced technology. The Oculus Pentacam will help the learning and development of our students, giving them an invaluable understanding of anterior segment tomography."

Glasgow Caledonian University is one of three Universities in the UK to have an Oculus Pentacam. Manchester and Cardiff Universities also have this leading technology.

The Oculus Pentacam, worth 45,000 pounds Sterling, is recognized as the gold standard in corneal topography. Equipped with a Scheimpflug camera the technology can offer a precise analysis of the central cornea. These measurements are vital in the detection and management of a number of eye diseases and in the assessment of contact lens fitting and refractive surgery.

Note to Editors

1. Optical Express is Europe's leading refractive surgery provider with its surgeons having carried out more than 700,000 laser eye surgery procedures.  The company employs over 3000 people, utilising over 30 ophthalmologists and 250 optometrists across more than 200 locations throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, Croatia, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States.

www.opticalexpress.com

2. For further information, please contact:

SOURCE Optical Express