US-based medical device company Vycor Medical has announced the issuance of a new patent in Australia for its NovaVision vision restoration technology.
The new Australian patent is for visual testing methods that fixate the user's gaze using an optical illusion which is visible only to the user's central visual field, while simultaneously presenting stimulus to the user's peripheral vision.
This patent also covers software for performing vision testing and therapy methods.
NovaVision has developed Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT), which is aimed at restoration of vision in people suffering from vision loss due to neurological trauma such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.
This non-invasive, computer-based light stimulation therapy has already obtained 510 (K) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CE Mark approval.
Till now, more than 2,000 patients have been treated with VRT and the medical device has shown ability in increasing a patient's visual field by an average of 5 degrees.
The company is currently working on re-engineering its VRT to enable the device for direct-to-the-patient internet delivery and to streamline a number of business processes regarding the delivery and servicing of patients.
After completion of the re-engineering work, NovaVision plans to offer both VRT alongside its soon to be released NeuroEyeCoach saccadic training therapy.
The re-engineered VRT and NeuroEyeCoach saccadic training therapy are anticipated to create an affordable, internet-based visual therapy solution targeted at neurologically induced vision loss.
This new patent brings the Vycor Medical's total global patent portfolio to 37 granted and 18 pending.
