Optiscan

In 1994, in Australia, founders Peter Delaney and Martin Harris embarked on a mission to revolutionize medical diagnostics. They established Optiscan to develop technology that could see inside the human body at a cellular level, in real-time. The core idea was to miniaturize a powerful microscope, known as a confocal microscope, into a pen-sized device. This would allow doctors to perform a 'virtual biopsy,' getting instant, high-resolution images of tissue without the need to surgically remove a sample and wait for a lab. The company's technology works by using a single optical fiber to scan a laser over tissue, capturing fluorescent signals to build a digital image. This provides incredibly detailed views, over 1000 times the resolution of an MRI or CT scan, enabling doctors to make immediate decisions during procedures like cancer surgery. This ability to assess tissue on the spot aims to improve surgical accuracy, reduce the need for follow-up operations, and ultimately, lead to better patient outcomes. As a publicly-listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:OIL), Optiscan's journey has been one of steady technological development and strategic partnerships. Rather than a single explosive event, its path has been marked by continuous innovation, navigating the rigorous process of medical device approvals. The company has focused on applications in areas like oral and breast cancer and is collaborating with institutions like the Mayo Clinic to integrate its technology into robotic surgery platforms, signaling a clear strategy for future growth.