Melinda Lynch, Dr James Leong, Elizabeth Kupa, Optimed's Craig Norman and Drs Brenda Breidenstein and Neil Auburn

Showing the new Navilas navigated laser system for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere, Optimed’s Craig Norman said it’s so new, he had to borrow the one they had on show at RANZCO NZ 2021 from Wellington-based consultant ophthalmologist Dr James Leong, who’s the first in the region to use it.

Exemplifying the next generation of pattern lasers, the Navilas was certainly a drawcard, said Craig, with many doctors talking about it at the conference and seeking out Dr Leong to discuss it. The Navilas is more precise and reliable, allowing for better pre-treatment planning and retina navigation, said Norman. “You can import and overlay patients’ diagnostic information, such as OCT thickness maps, fluorescein angiography and autofluorescence imaging, and use that when you plan treatments. The laser also allows you to place ‘caution’ or ‘non-treatment’ zones for greater safety and less pain for the patient and it’s faster, so you can provide more treatment in one session.”