Geoff McConville Opticians has introduced the Valeda Light Delivery System for early and mid-stage dry macular degeneration, totalling nearly £400,000 in recent in-house investments
Geoff McConville Opticians, led by renowned specialist optometrist Geoff McConville, has made a £50,000 investment in the Valeda Light Delivery System, marking a groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of early and mid-stage dry macular degeneration.
This revolutionary technology, which uses photobiomodulation – a process that uses light to stimulate cellular function and promote healing and tissue regeneration — is the first approved treatment of its kind, offering new hope for patients with this degenerative eye condition.
Geoff McConville’s investment makes him is the only optician on the island of Ireland to possess the Valeda technology. He is among an exclusive group of only 24 opticians worldwide to invest in this cutting-edge equipment of which there are approximately 300 machines in existence.
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Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness, particularly in individuals over the age of 50, accounting for 58% of blind registrations in this demographic. The condition leads to blurred central vision arising from damage to the macula, a critical part of the retina. Traditional treatments for the more common dry AMD are limited to lifestyle modifications and vitamin supplements, but the Valeda system offers a promising new solution.
Valeda provides non-invasive light therapy with no known side effects and has demonstrated significant results in clinical studies. Early research in the United States revealed that patients receiving Valeda's light therapy showed significant improvement in vision over 24 months compared to those given a placebo. The treatment protocol involves a cycle of nine five-minute sessions per eye over three to five weeks, repeated every four months.
This strategic acquisition is part of Geoff McConville's ongoing investment in state-of-the-art technology, totalling over £400,000 in recent years, with even more to be announced in early 2025. His investments not only address dry AMD but also enhance diagnostic capabilities for other conditions like glaucoma, often termed the 'silent thief of sight,' benefiting patients across Northern Ireland.
Geoff McConville Opticians, with over 35 years of experience and a team of five dedicated professionals, is at the forefront of world-leading eye care innovation.
The practice also boasts Ireland's leading Dry Eye Clinic, featuring advanced FDA approved technologies such as IPL (Intensive Pulse Light) and LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System for comprehensive diagnostics and treatment.
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Speaking about his most recent investment, Geoff McConville said:“Macular degeneration is the largest cause of blind registrations in the over 50s in the developed world, affecting over 700,000 people in the UK alone. This number is expected to nearly double by 2050. Early diagnosis and monitoring by an eye care professional are crucial for effective treatment and vision preservation.
"Introducing the Valeda system is a significant milestone in our commitment to providing top-tier care for our patients. This innovative technology offers new hope for those affected by AMD, often seen as ‘wear and tear’, and represents a new avenue for improved vision and quality of life.
"At Geoff McConville Opticians, we are dedicated to disrupting and pushing the boundaries of eye care and delivering cutting-edge solutions that make a real difference in people's lives. Fast-tracking our investment in the Valeda technology enables us to immediately offer our patients a much brighter horizon.”
Geoff McConville's dedication to advancing eye care extends beyond his practice, earning him the honour of Freeman of the City of London by the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers in recognition of his contributions to the field.
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