Waterford was chosen because of ground-breaking research being carried out at Waterford Institute of Technology as the location of the world launch of new technology which could lead to the early detection of the leading cause of blindness which affects over 30 million people world-wide.
Mr Stephen Beatty, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Waterford Regional Hospital and Dr John Nolan BSc, PhD, director and assistant director respectively of the Macular Research Group at WIT, were guest speakers at a launch where new product called 'MacuscopeTM' which allows opticians to detect and measure a protective pigment in the eye, was revealed. people with low levels of this pigment are believed to be at increased risk of developing a condition known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Opticians from all over Ireland attended the launch where a new patented supplement 'MacushieldTM', a formulation of nutrients that help to maintain normal eye-function and protect against AMD was also showcased.
Dr. Nolan, whose PhD study on preventative measures for AMD 'Determinants of Macular Pigment in Healthy Subjects' was the largest cross-sectional study of its type in the world, said 'The centre of the retina, known as the macula, is responsible for central vision. As we .....
“...early detection and an effective programme of cartenoid supplements has never been more imperative...”
