An innovative automated eye drop dispenser aid for the self-administration of eye drops to increase independence in the ageing population, improve eye health outcomes and reduce NHS/social care costs
Innovate UK
Medcam Healthcare Limited
Eye medication is unique as it is usually self-administered as eye drops. Eye drop application, however, presents a major challenge, particularly for older patients. Studies show that over 50% of patients actually miss their eye and 20% of people cannot apply sufficient force to squeeze the bottle, requiring someone else to apply the drops for them. Due to the variety of bottle designs and treatment regimes, so far no solution has been found other than district nurse input, or occasionally hospital admission. For those who can afford it, private carers are occasionally employed.    Without social care input, many of these patients would miss vital medication, which could result in progressive sight loss and the associated health and economic burden. Sight loss has a severe negative impact on a person's life, affecting their work, social life, physical and mental health.    Improper drop application presents a huge cost to the NHS and social care budgets. When this is combined with associated sub-optimal clinical care, including increased hospital visits and escalation of treatment, as well as visual impairment, the cost is far higher.    The long-term demographic trend of an ageing UK population means that over the next 20 years, a 50% increase in cataract surgery and 44% rise in glaucoma cases are forecasted and many more patients will be requiring district nurse input. To meet this challenge, we have developed a novel device to aid the self-administration of eye drops.    We have designed the world's first fully automated eye drop dispenser. This handheld device will enable even the frailest of patients to safely and accurately self-administer their own eye drops. Our device will be the first of its kind and has been designed to overcome the major challenges associated with the self-administration of eye drops. Research has shown barriers to self-administration to be both physical and cognitive and our device is the first to address every issue that these patients have.    This device will reduce the risk of sight loss, allowing elderly patients to continue to live fulfilled independent lives, contribute to society, and take control of their own eye health without relying on others. Making drop application more accessible to all helps to reduce inequalities in eye health between those that have the ability to apply their own medication or pay for private carers, and those that cannot.
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