The Optical Suppliers’ Association has announced it will establish an e-health focus group to address the use of software as a medical device and professional accountability around new diagnostic technologies.
Led by Karl Jeebaun, CEO of Advanced Ophthalmic Systems, the focus group will work with suppliers launching new technology to ensure it meets universal standards.
Jeebaun said: ‘We need to form a collective view as to where the industry is going and the role software can play in supporting the profession. There are many issues to be addressed and we need to ensure the right trajectory for adoption.
‘Regulations and manufacturing standards are quite rightly being tightened, but there is a distinct difference between hardware and software life cycles. We need to understand the best way to implement these, with a clear strategy for validation processes, updates and testing. Nothing should deter new innovation, but we need to all understand that there are real challenges that each provider now faces.’
For those interested in joining the group, please email Marianne MacRitchie at mmacritchie@osa-uk.co.uk.