Beyeonics Vision Limited (Ltd) announced that the Miami, Florida-based Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has become the first academic institution to install the Beyeonics One system into its ophthalmic surgery curriculum.
Let’s begin with a refresh on Beyeonics.
To start, Beyeonics Vision is one of two divisions (the other: Beyeonics Surgical) comprising Beyeonics, an Israel-based medical technology company developing digital surgical-based platform technologies for operating rooms (ORs) across various therapeutic areas.
Specifically: Beyeonics Vision has integrated the company’s proprietary digital surgical platform into ORs via technologies such as:
- Augmented reality (AR)
- Tracking
- Imaging processing / artificial intelligence (AI)
Now to Beyeonics One—what is it?
Quite simply: The first digital microscope with an AR surgical headset.
- Its launch date: October 2024 (read our coverage)
The details: Manufactured by Beyeonics Vision and powered via infrared (invisible light) technology, this is a high-definition (HD), fully digital imaging platform that assists ophthalmic surgeons in viewing a magnified, 3D image of the surgical field.
- Check out the full breakdown of what this system includes—including a stereoscopic camera head unit, 24-inch rotating touchscreen interface, a console with real-time video processing and data management as well as a motorized arm.
And how does this benefit surgeons, exactly?
As we previously reported, the system provides three key capabilities targeting surgeons’ improved performance and overall productivity (not to mention less physical strain).
- Visualization: With IR, a fully digital optics design enables high magnification as well as clear and detailed imaging of the surgical field.
- Plus: A customizable-surgeon filter selection provides "enhanced tissue and membrane contrast.”
- Movement: With the ergonomically-friendly AR headset design, surgeons can move freely and assume a more "natural" posture.
- The intended result: Increased productivity and performance longevity (due to a higher comfort level).
- Workflow: Surgeons can maintain a continuous view of the surgical field—with no hindrance to their hand-eye coordination.
- How: Through “zero perceived image latency” and an “intuitive head gesture control.”
Can I get a visual of how it works?
Watch below.
And what other advantages does this system offer?
Click here to view the list (hint: connectivity, teaching and training, and automation are included).
In regards to its teaching and training capabilities: Beyeonics One enables real-time, remote viewing of the surgical field for the operating room (OR)—and is designed to “support any and all” forms of ocular surgeries and procedures.
- Among them: cataract, cornea, glaucoma, and retina.
So how will this be utilized at Bascom Palmer?
The Beyeonics One will be integrated into the institution’s training to “enhance surgical education,” with Jorge Futon, MD, medical director of Bascom Palmer at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, to lead the efforts.
- Dr. Futon is also an associate professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer, bringing 20+ years of experience specializing in such clinical areas as vitreoretinal disease and surgery, diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinal detachment, and macular degeneration.
And its purpose in this academic setting?
The plan is for the advanced system to provide ophthalmic surgeons-in-training with an immersive, real-time view of ophthalmic procedures via both shared or personalized orientations in 180° and 90° modes.
Other educational features accessible with the Beyeonics One include:
- Interactive teaching pointers
- Digital overlays (for pre-surgical planning)
- Digital recentering
- Live surgical broadcasting
- Hands-free voice controls
Has the system been tested out yet at Bascom Palmer?
While neither Beyeonics nor the institute has shared details since the Beyeonics One’s academic installation, Dr. Futon previously shared his impressions after performing ophthalmic surgery with the system in 2022.
- As he stated: “It felt incredibly natural. I was able to see and do things exactly like I have with any of my other viewing systems—and many times I had the ability to actually see (or perform) better.”
Check out other testimonials from ophthalmic surgeons.