The creation of iScope
The challenges
During my practice as a doctor, I was confronted by the limitations associated with the current medical devices available to general practitioners for patient examinations.
The traditional eye, ear and skin examination devices (the otoscope, ophthalmoscope and dermatoscope) don‘t meet the needs of today’s general practitioners. They don’t support procedures requiring visualisation, they don’t support electronic image capture for documentation in the patient record, and they leave the GP with a desk cluttered with a multitude of separate instruments.
The initial problem I wanted to solve was to have a procedural otoscope which allowed me to remove wax or foreign bodies under vision from the patient’s ear - just like an ear microscope, but smaller and more affordable. Current practice is ear syringing, which induces risk to the patient. This is reflected in the number of medico-legal disputes associated with the procedure. Alternatively, GPs have to refer their patients to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
The opportunity
I recognised that having the ability to perform these procedures with magnified vision would allow me to provide more complete treatment for patients and avoid a costly and time-consuming visit to a specialist for the patient.
After many design iterations, I converged on a design for a digital otoscope that allows this procedure to be performed the same way as with an ear microscope, an expensive device which is today only found in the offices of ENT specialists.
I then realised the potential for this digital otoscope to be enhanced for use as a digital ophthalmoscope and dermatoscope, in place of the traditional analogue versions of these devices. Benefits include supporting minor eye procedures under vision while also supporting digital imaging for documentation. Recording images in the medical record is of particular importance in skin checks or examination of the background of the eye as comparing them over time allows the doctor to track the progression or state of disease.
Having designed the device, I wanted to be able to buy one for myself. I quickly realised that though he is highly skilled as a physician, and an enthusiastic innovator, with a drive to build a business, I needed to bring in expertise to help me on the journey.
I had a patent filed, and the company JD Sanmed was formed. I engaged an experienced medical industry commercialisation team, Ontogo to help me on the next stage of JD Sanmed‘s journey. We have laid out a solid foundation for the commercialisation of the iScope, had JD Sanmed assed by the ATO as an ESIC and conducted surveys and interviews with GPs which have showed that the iScope‘s features and values make it a highly desirable device for GPs, with good acceptance of the expected sales price.
The future
The much needed medical device, good market opportunity and our experienced team opened the doors for our exciting journey.
The Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP) in Adelaide selected us to fund the initial prototype, which is currently in development. The team of MDPP brought in Lastek, a world-class optical company, to develop the initial prototype of iScope, including opto-mechanical design and software.
To manufacture and market the iScope invention into commercial fruition, JD Sanmed is now seeking financial partners and investment.
