E-health focus group launched by OSA

E-health focus group launched by OSA

The rise of software as a medical device, and accountability for the profession when utilising new diagnostic technologies, is to be addressed by the Optical Suppliers’ Association’s (OSA) new focus group which will ensure that all suppliers meet universal standards wherever possible.

The E-Health Focus Group is set to provide a crucial role in defining the parameters and standards for accountability.  Keen to engage with all OSA members who have – or are soon to launch – technology which fall within this category, it is a pivotal time the trade body believes.

Karl Jeebaun, CEO of Advanced Ophthalmic Systems (AOS), leads the new group and explained its role –

“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.”

The E-Heath group is expecting to draw members from across the optical supply chain including contact lens and dry eye treatment providers as well as those in the surgical field supplying ophthalmologists.

“We are at the cusp of a major shift in diagnosis and treatment.  The journey is well underway but we need to establish standards so that the profession can be confident that they are in a legally secure position.  The OSA is here to steer the right navigable pathway for care, with industry standards and a route to synchronised care, which leaves the profession confident in their decision making,” added Karl.