NTU and SERI launch joint laboratory to develop advanced ocular imaging technologies
The new SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) Laboratory will develop innovations that use light to image the eye – a technique known as “optical coherence tomography” (OCT)
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), and the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) have launched a joint laboratory that will develop advanced eye imaging technologies and drug delivery systems.
The new SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) Laboratory will develop innovations that use light to image the eye – a technique known as “optical coherence tomography” (OCT).
Professor Leopold Schmetterer, Director of the STANCE Lab, said, “Eye diseases remain one of the key conditions that an ageing population in Singapore faces, which lead to vision impairment that affects mobility. The STANCE Lab will develop new imaging technologies to detect and diagnose eye conditions, quickly, easily and conveniently.”
The launch of the STANCE Lab also sees the start of over ten joint research projects that address three broad themes: Functional extensions of in-vivo optical coherence imaging to extract potential biomarkers for better disease management; Screening devices that enable diagnostic imaging beyond the clinic into the community and at home; Multi-modal imaging, which uses different types of ophthalmic imaging, and ocular therapeutics that will spur the development of innovative devices and treatment procedures.
Professor Louis Phee, Dean of NTU’s College of Engineering, said, “NTU’s collaboration with SERI echoes the university’s close working relationship with industry and healthcare institutions, to ensure innovations developed at the lab remain relevant, practical and beneficial to society. These partnerships also underpin NTU's strong track record in translational research excellence, which supports Singapore's vibrant research ecosystem.”
Professor Aung Tin, Executive Director, Singapore Eye Research Institute, said, “We hope that this new lab between SNEC-SERI and NTU will be the start of an important programme to utilise engineering solutions to help and improve care of our patients with eye problems.”
