Daniel Palanker, Ph.D., is the 2014 recipient of the SPIE Translational Research Award.

An associate professor of ophthalmology at Stanford University, Palanker received the award for his study titled “Non-damaging laser therapy of the macula: Titration algorithm and tissue response.”

The research, by Palanker and colleague Daniel Lavinsky, M.D., of Porto Alegre, Brazil, investigates the efficacy of photothermal stimulation of the retina for the treatment of retinal disease. The results were demonstrated in recent clinical trials.

“We’ve developed algorithms that take us, reliably, from the titration settings into the desired treatment range,” Palanker said. “It provides optimal treatment settings for every patient, resulting in beneficial and reproducible outcomes.”

Palankar contributed also to the development of Topcon Medical Laser Systems’ proprietary Endpoint Management — laser technology that uses advanced algorithms to control laser power and exposure time to deliver therapeutic doses.

Greg Fava, senior director of marketing at Topcon, noted that the award supports the company’s efforts in bringing “ophthalmologists and patients the most technologically sophisticated system for treating a variety of debilitating retinal diseases.” The ability to treat subvisibly, effectively and with visible landmarks constitutes a significant advancement from previous laser technologies,” he added.

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