UPMC Attends AAO 2018

UPMC Attends AAO 2018

AAO 2018 was held October 27-30 in Chicago, IL. The conference brought together a global community of innovators in the art and science of ophthalmology. Conference content included game-changing research, techniques and technologies. 

UPMC physicians and researchers attended and were well-represented with poster presentations, panels, lectures, and abstracts.

 A bioelectronics company developing innovative bionic vision systems to enable patients who have lost their sight to lead more independent lives as reported by José-Alain Sahel, MD, director of the UPMC Eye Center. Sahel presented the following preliminary data from the PRIMA French feasibility trial at AAO 2018. 

 “First Results of Photovoltaic Vision Restoration in Atrophic Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration.”
 “Photovoltaic Restoration of Central Vision in Atrophic Dry AMD.”

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) selected the first clinical results of PRIMA to be presented during the late breaking developments session during the Retina sub-specialty day program on October 26th. This session is attended by most of the thought leaders and specialists of retina. The selection for presentation by the sub-specialty course directors at AAO 2018 is also a recognition of the high level of interest in efforts to address a significant unmet need for advanced atrophic dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (dry-AMD) and significant potential of PRIMA wireless photovoltaic sub-retinal implant and first human experience.

The full set of 6-month interim results of the study for all 5 patients are expected by the end of 2018. This will enable the design of the protocol for the larger multi-centric European pivotal study to commence in 2019, required for the CE-mark.