Essilor has begun commercial trials in 11 UK practices of NeuroVision, a non-surgical internet-based treatment developed in Singapore that purports to improve visual performance in patients with low myopia (up to around -1.50D).
The lens maker is conducting a closed trial to assess the commercial viability of the treatment. Favourable results in clinical trials led Essilor to buy a 10 per cent equity stake in NeuroVision, as well as distribution rights in the UK, Singapore and Chicago in 2007.
Nick Hornsby, Essilor NeuroVision manager, responsible for overseeing the UK trials, commented: 'NeuroVision is an exciting and innovative treatment that complements the current services offered in any modern optical practice today. Once the results of this small commercial trial are analysed Essilor may make NeuroVision available to other practitioners who feel it would enhance their practices.'
Hornsby said the trials would run for approximately 12 months and Essilor was advertising the new therapy in communities around the practices involved.
NeuroVision, which is advertised as improving vision without drugs, lasers or surgery, is a system of computerised internet-based visual exercises. The computer flashes a series of visual tasks that the designers claim trains the brain's visual cortex, helping it to process blurred images better and help improve contrast sensitivity.
Each session lasts about 30 minutes. It can be performed at home, but patients will have to visit the optical practitioner to check on progress.
John Rose Eyecare in Kingston, one of the practices involved in the trial, said an initial consultation was being charged at £195.
Further information on the treatment can be seen on the website www.neuro-vision.com/ and Optician will be reporting on the results of the trial in a forthcoming issue.