Public Funding for Azul Optics Limited

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of incurable blindness in the Western World with predictions of 196 million people suffering by 2020. While there is no cure for AMD, in some cases it is preventable, the problem is that most people don't even know they are at risk because the existing tools for measuring one of the main risk factors (macular pigment density) are not suitable for use in regular eye exams. Our solution is the Macular Pigment (MP) -eye screen, which is a small hand held device the enables optomtrists and GPs to assess MPs in under a minute. The device is easy to use, gives a one number output, and the elegantly simple technology allows us to produce and sell the device for a third of the price of existing technologies. With InnovateUK Aid for Start-Ups funding we will derisk our product by finalizing the prototype design, running a validation trial to compare our device to existing gold standards, build a board and team, and secure initial deals with partners, thus positioning the company for venture capital investment in 24 month's time.