The 2024 Digital Therapeutics Conference was held in Hainan from 30th to 31st August. Professor Michael Wormstone,Director of the Life and Health Centre at the Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute (hereinafter referred to as “the China Beacons Institute”) was invited to participate in the conference's parallel forum on digital healthcare for ophthalmic diseases. He delivered a speech titled “Academic-Industry engagement promotes advances in intraocular lens development and cataract surgery outcomes.”

This conference was a comprehensive industry event, combining global policy interpretation, academic exchange, industry collaboration, and innovation showcase. It brought together over 100 distinguished participants, including government officers, academicians, clinical experts, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and university scholars, to discuss the latest trends and developments in digital healthcare. The event provided diverse perspectives and deep insights to promote the growth of global digital healthcare innovation and foster collaboration.

Development of an experimental model of the human lens and establishment of a controlled environment to assess postoperative effects

It is understood that cataracts affect the vision health of millions of people worldwide and are one of the leading causes of blindness. Cataract patients often require the implantation of an intraocular lens to restore their vision. According to statistics, approximately 30 million intraocular lenses are implanted each year, making advancements in lens materials and design critically important.

As one of the World’s Top 2% Scientists and a Gold Fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Professor Michael Wormstone has unique insights in the field of ophthalmology. He emphasises, "Cataract surgery can lead to fibrotic and regenerative changes that may once again affect vision. Therefore, an ideal intraocular lens must not only possess excellent optical performance and stability within the lens capsular bag, but its design should also consider the suppression of abnormal healing responses post-surgery to prevent posterior capsule opacification."

At the conference, Professor Michael Wormstone provided an overview of an experimental model he developed that involves performing cataract surgery on human donor eyes. This system allows researchers to observe and quantify short-term and long-term postoperative effects, within a laboratory setting.

"To better replicate the real clinical environment post-surgery, we utilised donated human eye tissue to construct the model, ensuring that its spatial organisation mirrors that of cataract patients, while maintaining controllable environmental conditions. We also conducted match-paired experiments, implanting intraocular lenses and monitoring various indicators in real-time." He discussed how this model has advanced intraocular lens development and scientific progress through industry-academia collaboration.

Industry-Academia Engagement: advancing the development and application of intraocular lenses

Close collaboration between academia and industry will lead to mutual benefits, making research outcomes more practical and marketable. "The development of intraocular lenses should be closely aligned with clinical practice, generating commercial benefits that, in turn, support further research in the field," Professor Michael Wormstone said.

He explained to the attendees how this innovative experimental system can continue to provide valuable support to intraocular lens manufacturers, medical practitioners, patients, and digital technology developers.

He stated, "This human model can qualitatively and quantitatively measure and compare the biomechanical interactions between the intraocular lens and the capsule, providing an excellent platform for intraocular lens development. Moreover, the use of clinically relevant human data can serve as a valuable resource for digital technology developers to support advances in artificial lens (IOL) developments, selection of best IOLs for individual patients and improved prediction of post-surgical IOL position."

With the continuous innovation and application of digital therapy technologies, the healthcare industry is not only breaking away from traditional development paths but is also profoundly influencing the healthcare industry's model, driving transformation in the broader economic landscape. Change is underway, and the China Beacons Institute will continue to expand its horizons in the field of digital health research, attracting technology, talent, capital, and innovative ideas to propel technological advancement.

(All pictures are from The 2024 Digital Therapeutics Conference.)