SLOPE: Structured Light Observation and Perception Evaluation Device for the Assessment of Macular Health

Structured Light Observation Perception & Evaluation (SLOPE) device is a cutting-edge ophthalmic device that integrates quantum optics and vision sciences to enable the assessment of macular polarization filter function with potentials of using for the early detection of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By enhancing the visibility of entoptic phenomena and introducing the new psychophysical method of perception, this technology fills a critical gap in global eye care, facilitating routine pre-screening and objective monitoring to prevent permanent vision loss for over 200 million patients worldwide.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 

AMD affects 1 in 5 individuals over the age of 60. According to the Hospital Authority, 500,000 people in Hong Kong have already been diagnosed with AMD (with the overall population being 7.5 million). Characterized by the gradual deterioration of the macula, it can lead to a loss of central vision and difficulty with tasks like reading and recognizing faces.

• Leading cause of irreversible blindness globally
• More than 200 million patients with AMD worldwide
• Due to a later diagnosis, there are no effective treatment options

Core Technology

• Integration: Combines quantum optics techniques with vision sciences.
• Mechanism: Enhances the visibility of entoptic phenomena—visual effects that originate from within the eye itself.

Clinical Value

• Sensitivity: Acts as a highly sensitive probe.
• Function: Specifically used to detect diseases that cause the degeneration of the macula.

• Early Diagnostic Capabilities: Generates a unique entoptic pattern that healthy eyes can see clearly, while eyes with affected radially-oriented nerve fibres of macular photoreceptors or abnormal macular pigment have difficulty perceiving.
  
  
• Routine Screening: Facilitates early detection of macular diseases through integration into routine eye examinations and screenings.
  
  
• Objective Monitoring: Enables the objective monitoring of visual performance during the course of AMD treatment.
  
  
• Preventive Impact: Reduces the overall risk of permanent vision loss in patients by identifying issues early.

• Frontline Accessibility: Optimized for use at the primary point of care—including General Practitioner (GP) clinics, District Health Centres, and elderly care homes—extending reach beyond traditional specialist clinics.
  
  
• AMD treatment testing: research centres, universities, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical

Dr. Mukhit KuLMAGANBETOV, Senior Research Fellow, CEVR
Mr. Taranjit SIGHN, Visiting Scientist, CEVR
Prof. Ben Thompson, Principal Investigator, CEVR
Prof. Racheal CHUN, Principal Investigator, CEVR

Dr. Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV, Senior Research Fellow, CEVR; Co-Founder, CEO Entoptica

mukhit.k@cevr.hk