Zeiss and Ilmenau University open new research lab

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and the Ilmenau University, Germany, have formed a partnership to open a new ophthalmic laboratory at the Institut für Biomedizinische Technik und Informatik in Germany.

The laboratory is distinguished by housing the latest in diagnostic systems, particularly those used for the examination of the posterior segment. There are to be three main areas of research: to combine previously independent examination methods, to develop more powerful systems with easily interpretable diagnostic data for the early detection of eye disorders and to integrate diagnosis with therapy in a comprehensive patient-orientated treatment approach.

The main aim of these projects is to develop early diagnosis and improved monitoring of eye disorders such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and arterial/venous occlusion.

The laboratory was made possible by "research and development infrastructure" support from the Thuringian Ministry of Education and Arts.

Elsewhere, Dr Michael Kaschke, Director of Carl Zeiss AG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, has also announced the opening of the first training centre for ophthalmology at the Cicendo Hospital in Bandung, Indonesia, together with Dr Gullapalli N. Rao, President of IAPB (International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness) and representatives of the Indonesian government.

Carl Zeiss is supporting the foundation of the training centre with a donation of $200,000, which will be used for training staff and equipping the centre. The company also donated several systems for diagnosis, treatment and aftercare, including slit lamps, treatment lasers and a surgical microscope.