Award for software system used in community eye screening programmes to detect and monitor diabetic retinopathy, a disease of the retina which is the single largest cause of blindness in the UK
Digital Healthcare, a Cambridge company that is said to be the UK's leading supplier of software for diabetic retinal screening programmes and ophthalmology, has scooped a top prize at the Microsoft healthcare users group (MS-hug) annual awards 2006, which recognise outstanding technology innovations that improve patient healthcare.
Digital Healthcare has won the best in class partner award in the acute care - clinical/patient information systems category for OptoMize iP, its innovative software system that is used in community eye screening programmes to detect and monitor diabetic retinopathy, a disease of the retina which is the single largest cause of blindness in the UK.
The software combines an advanced digital imaging system, which captures digital images of the retina, with a fully-automated electronic patient administration system.
Over 150 entries were received by the judges and Digital Healthcare beat 15 other entrants in the acute category which rewards the best clinical or patient information system in an acute care setting.
Matthew Adams, Digital Healthcare's development director, will receive the award from senior MS-hug and Microsoft representatives at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Conference in San Diego on 12-16 February, which attracts over 23,000 delegates.
Adams will also have an opportunity to demonstrate Digital Healthcare's winning software at the event.
Adams said: "We are honoured to have been selected for this Award, and delighted that the contribution which Digital Healthcare's software makes to healthcare is being recognised in this way.
"It is estimated that there are 1.8 million diabetics in the UK and it is vital to screen their eyes regularly for retinopathy as it can be treated very effectively if it is detected at an early stage.
"Our system is built on powerful Microsoft.net technology so our software can handle image capture, grading and analysis.
"This is linked to a complete electronic patients records and administration system which automatically generates reports and follow-up letters.
"Our software has been installed on workstations in a variety of clinical and community locations from rural opticians to hospital eye departments so that patients can choose where they attend for their eye screening appointments.
"The results are then transferred electronically between computers in the network.
"OptoMize iP is currently being used to screen over 500,000 patients worldwide every year".
Steve Shihadeh, general manager, Microsoft Healthcare and Life Sciences, said: "Digital Healthcare's software system enables hospitals to offer quick digital scans, which are proving to be an increasingly valuable tool in the detection of diabetes.
"This technology provides significant benefits to healthcare organisations and helps to build a more efficient and patient-friendly healthcare system."
