High resolution image comparison of OCTA at 85kHz and 125kHz. Credit: Business Wire

Heidelberg Engineering announced the FDA has cleared the Spectralis OCT angiography (OCTA) module with Shift technology, which halves the device’s previous image acquisition time.

Available exclusively on third-generation Spectralis devices, Shift maintains data integrity and improves performance, thanks to a more powerful OCT engine, updated graphics processing technology and software optimisation, said the company. “Both the 85kHz preset for structural OCT and the 125kHz preset for OCTA allow eyecare practitioners to complete their patient exams more efficiently. Furthermore, the 125kHz OCTA image acquisition rate allows for visualisation of flow, even in miniscule vessels, while minimising artefacts, resulting in sharp and detailed images of the capillary network.”

Ram Liebenthal, Heidelberg’s general manager US said “… the next generation of OCTA … increases the acquisition speed without sacrificing image quality, thus making it a more versatile clinical tool in the diagnoses and management of retinal diseases.”

In related news, EssilorLuxottica has completed acquisition of an 80% stake in Heidelberg Engineering.

The agreement represents a step forward in EssilorLuxottica’s strategy and its med-tech journey, said the companies in a joint statement. “With a presence in over 100 countries, for more than three decades Heidelberg Engineering has been a reference in early detection of sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration,” they said.

By harnessing the group's capabilities in the optical industry, from logistics to manufacturing to global distribution, EssilorLuxottica is dedicated to fostering Heidelberg’s long-term growth while enhancing the doctor and patient experience, said Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO and Paul du Saillant, EssilorLuxottica deputy CEO.

“Our future goals include enhancing image quality through higher resolution, expanding the applications of imaging technologies, and integrating AI solutions into the growing HEYEX Healthcare IT platform, said Christoph Schoess, Heidelberg co-founder and managing director. “We are delighted that EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in eyecare, embraces our vision for creating a shared care system spanning from research to home monitoring. Together, we are strongly positioned to significantly advance patient care and improve clinical outcomes.” 

The companies confirmed the transaction has been cleared by the relevant competition authorities.

In related news, Forbes reported Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) is in talks to buy a US$5 billion minority (5%) interest in EssilorLuxottica, with the two already involved in the production of the Ray-Ban smartglasses. The business magazine also suggested the combination of Meta, EssilorLuxottica and Heidelberg would be one well suited to developing and marketing online prescription eyewear.