New camera technology puts focus on fight against sight loss

Imagine losing your sight, knowing this could have been prevented. Each year, seven million people worldwide face the devastating reality of vision loss, and more than five million of those cases are entirely preventable.

More than 20 years ago, I faced that terrifying possibility myself when I experienced a retinal detachment. 

However, thanks to swift medical intervention, my vision was saved – not just once but on numerous occasions over the years. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the challenges of preserving sight, especially when I realised just how difficult it is to be scanned on traditional desktop retinal imaging devices.

As someone who is able-bodied, even I found it hard to sit perfectly still and position myself in front of those bulky machines. 

I couldn’t help but think: what about those who can’t physically manage that?
According to the World Health Organisation, 2.2 billion people globally live with vision impairment, and at least one billion of those cases could have been prevented with timely detection and treatment.

As our population ages, the problem is only set to worsen. Factors such as age, diet and lifestyle all play a role in this growing crisis. A study published in The Lancet reveals over 80% of people affected by vision impairment are aged 50 and older.

Within the next 30 years, the prevalence of blindness and severe vision impairment is expected to more than double.

In Scotland, the outlook is similarly concerning. By 2031, nearly 400,000 people will be living with significant sight loss, a number driven largely by ageing populations and rising health conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

But there is hope, thanks to innovations like those developed by epipole, a pioneering Scottish company. For 13 years, epipole has been designing and manufacturing cutting-edge portable retinal imaging technology from its base in Rosyth. As Sarah Jardine, CEO of epipole, points out: “Eighty per cent of people going blind this year could have been prevented if they had the benefit of early detection.”

(Image: Sarah Jardine)

Epipole’s epiCam, an ultra-portable handheld fundus camera, is a gamechanger in the fight against preventable blindness. It provides high-definition retinal imaging, making world-class eyecare more accessible. The company’s mission is clear: to ensure excellent eyecare is available to everyone. Traditional retinal exams rely on desktop cameras, which work well when the patient can visit a clinic, position themselves properly, and follow instructions to stay still. But what happens when a patient is wheelchair-bound, immobile, or unable to hold their head in the right position? These are common barriers that prevent many from getting the retinal care they need.

That’s where epiCam comes in. The handheld device captures high-quality images and video files, allowing professionals to review retinal health or detect early signs of pathology with ease. The epiCam’s video mode ensures images can be captured regardless of the patient’s condition, bringing vital care to the patient wherever they are, whether in a clinic or another care setting.

Additionally, the device connects wirelessly to a laptop, allowing real-time streaming and secure storage of images, which can later be uploaded to a shared network or cloud. Jardine explains: “You can triage patients as you see them. If they’re in a wheelchair, there’s no need to move them. Just take the image. Plus, anyone can be trained to use this, as it’s as simple as capturing a video. The experts can then review the footage remotely.”

In AN average NHS clinic that sees 100 patients a day, the majority are over 60 years old and may have conditions like mobility issues, cognitive impairments, or hearing difficulties, which make traditional exams difficult. These challenges slow down the exam process and, in some cases, prevent retinal images from being captured at all.

Jardine notes: “I’m not saying to replace your current equipment, but with a small investment, the epiCam is an addition that can go from room to room. We estimate a standard NHS clinic could offer an extra clinic per week with this added efficiency.”

For now, epipole’s immediate focus isn’t the NHS, which has a fragmented and time-consuming procurement process. The company is targeting the US market, where one-third of the global ophthalmic diagnostic market’s $3.3 billion spend is located. To scale effectively, the US presents a more unified regulatory environment, making it a natural fit for epipole’s expansion. Jardine plans to expand epipole’s US team and partner with independent sales agents to maintain close relationships with optometrists, its primary customer base.

However, growth doesn’t come without its challenges. Raising funds for manufacturing companies is notoriously difficult and being a female-led company adds another layer of complexity. Jardine notes: “As a woman, you have to work a lot harder to convince investors. The minute you walk into that room, you’re seen as a riskier investment.” 

Despite having 20 years of industry experience, a seasoned CFO, and widespread recognition of the funding gap for female-led businesses, Jardine continues to face closed doors. Even with all the right credentials, the challenge of getting investment firms to engage remains a frustrating reality.

In the next month, it hopes to have secured a bridging round of funding – a critical step toward profitability and gradual growth. After four months of intense effort, it is now looking ahead to its next milestone: a Series A funding round. Its goal is to raise up to £15 million within the next year to take the business to the next level. Jardine is also open to exploring a corporate investor, potentially from the biotech space. “Pretty much everything’s on the table,” she says. “Of course, there are lines I wouldn’t cross in terms of where that money might come from, but beyond that, we’re open to all possibilities.”

The future of this Scottish meditech manufacture is full of promise. With discussions under way with major distributors and corporate accounts in the US and UK, the company is poised for significant growth. Plans to expand the team on both sides of the Atlantic and continue investing in “Made in Scotland” products reflect its commitment to local innovation while pursuing global opportunities. 

The team envisions its device becoming a standard tool in every eye exam, crucial for conditions like retinal detachment. As someone who has faced the terrifying prospect of vision loss, I understand the urgency. Retinal detachment is one condition where speed is of the essence, and the epiCam offers the potential to transform care for those most in need.

At a time when leaders such as Sir Keir Starmer are laying out roadmaps for the NHS and emphasising the role of technology and AI in healthcare, it’s inspiring to see companies like epipole stepping up to the challenge. Anyone near 50, when eye health often starts to decline, should be advocating for innovative solutions like this to receive the funding and support they need. The potential to transform patient eyecare is clear – so let’s prevent the preventable, ensuring we can all grow old while still seeing our favourite places and faces. 
 

Dr Antoinette Fionda-Douglas is co-founder of Beira and assistant professor at Heriot-Watt University