Abstract: A system and method for testing ocular fluid, such as vitreous fluid. The testing can be used to both determine if an ocular disease is present and to quantify the effectiveness of a treatment for that ocular disease. A sample of ocular fluid is drawn from a patient and tested for the presence of targeted biomarkers and for the level of those biomarkers. The level of the biomarkers in the patients sample is compared to the normal range. If the level of the targeted biomarker falls outside the normal range, an abnormal condition is recognized. The effectiveness of any treatment can be analyzed by repeating the testing process. After a treatment, ocular fluid is again drawn. The biomarker levels can be identified and compared to those taken before treatment began. If the level of the targeted biomarkers trends toward normal, the treatment is known to be effective.

Abstract: A method and system for enhanced ophthalmic surgery training by using simulation techniques. Each type of ophthalmic surgery, such as retinal or cataract surgery, is broken down into a sequence of surgical tasks, and each task is programmed into the system. A user practices each task via a simulator on a virtual human subject until a pre-determined level of skill is acquired for the task. The present invention objectively and effectively assesses a user's skill and expertise level in performing ophthalmic surgery via gated performance testing, thereby ensuring that the user has a pre-determined skill and expertise level, and eliminating undue risk to patients.

Abstract: A medical device for removing a thin membrane from the inner surface of an eye. The device comprises a rake that includes a handle having a hollow body from which a slide member telescopes. A plurality of tines are provided on a free end of the slide member, wherein each tine includes a tissue engaging feature provided on a free end of each tine. The tines are extended and retracted from an end of the handle, such that, when completely retracted, only the tissue engaging features protrude from the handle or all tissue engaging features can be retracted into the handle. In operation, the rake is manipulated along an upper surface of the membrane until the tissue engaging features engage the membrane. Once the tines engage the membrane, the rake is moved upward and tangentially away relative to an upper surface of the retina until the membrane is removed therefrom.