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Fife invention helps to tackle blindness

Douglas Chapman is tested with the Epicam by Dr Craig Robertson.
Douglas Chapman is tested with the Epicam by Dr Craig Robertson.

A Rosyth firm is targeting the NHS to use its revolutionary hand-held camera that helps prevent blindness.

Epipole believe its portable Epicam could save the health service huge amounts of money by replacing expensive equipment used to detect diabetic retinopathy.

The firm has tasked Fife-based manufacturer Key-Tech to begin assembling the device, which costs just £1,500.

It detects signs of diabetic retinopathy, a condition responsible for two million cases of preventable blindness worldwide.

Managing director Dr Craig Robertson said: “The NHS use a mixture of devices and the cost of these can vary from £15,000 to £30,000.

“A GP doesn’t use a hand-held ophthalmoscope any more, so our device could certainly replace that and be in GP surgeries across the UK.

“The device itself has become better and better, and we’re focusing on getting the manufacturing more streamlined.”

The firm also aims to supply the Epicam to developing countries such as India, where there has been a dramatic increase in the level of diagnosed diabetes.

Dunfermline and West Fife SNP MP Douglas Chapman said: “Instead of having to invest in cumbersome and expensive equipment, the Rosyth-made device is hand-held and can be supplied for a fraction of the price.

“The Epicam has huge potential and I am raising awareness of it among fellow MPs and MSPs, including Scottish health minister Shona Robison.”