New Color Vision Test Possible
12-07-2011, 09:31 AM
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New Color Vision Test Possible
Genevolve Develops Key Genetic Test For Color Blindness
Genevolve Develops Key Genetic Test For Color Blindness
The genetic test will be available to eye doctors by the end of 2011. Applying gene therapy to humans in a FDA monitored clinical trial is planned.
Dalton In The Neitz Color Vision Lab
The new test is a game-changer...
Albuquerque, New Mexico (PRWEB) September 28, 2011
Genevolve Vision Diagnostics Inc. has developed a non-invasive molecular diagnostic for all major forms of congenital color blindness to be used by ophthalmologists and optometrists. It is the first totally objective color vision test that can consistently separate colorblind individuals from those with normal color vision and accurately classify color vision deficiencies. As such, it offers a solution to the problem of setting uniform standards in the workplace. And, for the first time accurate testing of children as young as 6 months of age will be possible. “The new test is a game-changer as it is a revolutionary improvement in color vision testing which had not changed in the last 60 plus years,” said Genevolve president Matt Lemelin. The genetic test, and much of what is known about color vision itself, represents decades of research by the husband and wife team of Jay and Maureen Neitz, PhD., who are both professors of Ophthalmology, and Biological Structure at the University of Washington.
They worked out the molecular genetic basis for why there are large individual differences in the severity of colorblindness among people with the defect. It is one of the first examples of a defect of the nervous system where examination of a person’s DNA can predict not only the occurrence but also the severity of a defect. The team of researchers has also developed a treatment for the disorder using a gene therapy procedure proven effective in monkeys and featured in the publications, Nature and National Geographic. The discovery was named by Time magazine as one of the top 10 scientific discoveries of the year.
The test, marketed under the Eyedox™ brand, involves using a non-invasive buccal epithelial cell collector to pick up skin cells sloughed daily from the lining of the mouth. The DNA goes to a CLIA certified laboratory where the color genes, which are expressed in the eye but are present in all cells, are specifically analyzed to give both a precise identification and an accurate classification of any inherited color vision deficiency along with a treatment plan and family history which provides information about the inheritance of the disorder.
“This is a major breakthrough because scientists strive to understand the genetic basis of human disease, it is often more important to forecast the severity of the impairment than to merely reveal the presence of a genetic defect,” said Dr. Jay Neitz.
About color vision
Congenital or inherited colorblindness affects the photoreceptors that absorb light in the red-green visual spectrum. Color vision deficiency is the most common genetic disorder in humans. The disorder is most often inherited as the result of mutations on the X chromosome and therefore is predominantly present in the male population. It has been estimated that 1 out of 8 males and 1 out of 200 females possess some form of inherited color vision deficiency. Studies indicate there are 13.5 million color vision deficients in the United States and more than 200 million worldwide. Studies show that current testing methods are unreliable, classifying some people with normal color vision as being colorblind, especially young children, and some people, even with severe color vision defects, as being normal. There have been aviation accidents and railway disasters attributed to color vision deficiency increasing the need for more objective color vision testing methods and accurate standards.
About Genevolve Vision Diagnostics
Genevolve Vision Diagnostics, Inc. is a life sciences company which researches, designs and commercializes non-invasive molecular diagnostic assays and treatments for clinical applications for the color vision industry. The company operates in two segments; external agreements and internally held intellectual property. The external agreements section offers partnering options for technology companies and innovators within the color vision industry and provides a commercialization vehicle including product development, distribution options, marketing services and other business services on a contractual basis. The internally held IP segment researches, licenses, develops and commercializes novel molecular diagnostics and treatments for color vision deficiencies. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
###
Do you think this will gain any traction with the FAA?
Also good read:
http://www.cvdpilots.com/forum/topic/13
Aviation personnel inflicted with color blindness anxious for a permanent fix and frustrated with unfair testing standards – Genevolve has turnkey solutions.
By Pedro A. da Ponte
Color blindness is the most common genetic disorder in humans affecting hundreds of millions around the world. The condition is predominantly present in males and congenital in nature thus it remains unchanged throughout a person’s life. Color blindness can have disastrous effects on the aspirations of pilots and other aviation personnel. One extremely controversial aspect affecting the entire aviation industry, from ATC’s to aircraft inspectors and especially pilots, is current color vision testing methods and the accuracy of results.
There is no globally accepted testing method and this is of particular importance to the European Union as EASA takes over the JAA. One country may test color vision using the oft used and badly outdated Ishihara, invented by Japanese ophthalmologist, Dr. Shinobu Ishiáhaára in 1917. It is a widely accepted fact that the test has inherent flaws, passing some that may have trouble distinguishing colors and denying many that are surely capable of commanding a cockpit. Another country on the other side of the globe may use the Holmes-Wright Lantern or a Farnsworth color arrangement test with each test possessing its own set of validation concerns. If a pilot is to fail any one of these tests, they are normally red-flagged and discriminated against, in the form of stiff restrictions, likely for the rest of their careers’ or worse yet barred from flying altogether. This leads aspiring pilots to pass a test in a country with loose standards and fly into a tightly restrictive country thumbing their nose. If an individual is to slip thru the system, a life of fear of being found out is a constant threat.
There is a solution to these unfair testing standards on the horizon which doesn’t include moving to Timbuktu. Genevolve Vision Diagnostics has developed a genetic test for color vision. “It is the first totally objective color vision test that can consistently separate color blind individuals from those with normal color vision and accurately classify color vision deficiencies. As such, it offers a solution to the problem of setting uniform standards in the workplace” said Genevolve president Matt Lemelin. These days, if a medical examiner identifies the slightest color vision defect, a complex and costly battery of tests is ordered or worse yet, the individual is black listed. With all of these tests, each having their own inconsistencies and improprieties, many workplace advocates are clamoring for a globally accepted fair testing standard. The genetic test is a major step towards this goal as it is expected to increase pilot admissions by up to 40% and eliminate false positives by 100%. The test is planned to be available to clinicians by the end of the year. We encourage pilots and other aviation personnel to voice their opinions on the CVDpilots.com forum and join forces to overcome the political landscape and adopt fair testing standards.
The genetic test, and much of what is known about color vision itself, represents decades of research by the husband and wife team of Jay and Maureen Neitz, PhD., who are both professors of Ophthalmology, and Biological Structure at the University of Washington. "In addition to the genetic test, we have discovered a method to cure color blindness and our goal is to commercialize it by 2013” says Neitz. The procedure using a gene therapy technique, shown effective in monkeys has been featured in the publications, Nature and National Geographic and named by Time magazine as one of the top 10 scientific discoveries of the year. The monkeys have been closely followed after only one treatment applied several years ago. The results are extremely encouraging since the monkey’s color vision is as robust as when the procedure was first applied. “I can see a future where an individual is tested with our genetic test early on in life and the gene therapy procedure is applied as a standard of care, but to reach this goal, we must overcome a few obstacles” said Lemelin. One hurdle is funding; Genevolve is offering an investment opportunity to qualified investors and the company is particularly keen to involve color blind individuals to tap into personal passions of finding a cure. For the most part, regulatory requirements have been met and the initial feedback from the pre-clinical trial is very positive. Further animal testing is being performed as the company is gearing up for actual applications in human beings. To confidentially register as a test subject and to receive regular updates, go to http://www.genevolve.com/test-subject-enrollment.html.
Genevolve Develops Key Genetic Test For Color Blindness
The genetic test will be available to eye doctors by the end of 2011. Applying gene therapy to humans in a FDA monitored clinical trial is planned.
Dalton In The Neitz Color Vision Lab
The new test is a game-changer...
Albuquerque, New Mexico (PRWEB) September 28, 2011
Genevolve Vision Diagnostics Inc. has developed a non-invasive molecular diagnostic for all major forms of congenital color blindness to be used by ophthalmologists and optometrists. It is the first totally objective color vision test that can consistently separate colorblind individuals from those with normal color vision and accurately classify color vision deficiencies. As such, it offers a solution to the problem of setting uniform standards in the workplace. And, for the first time accurate testing of children as young as 6 months of age will be possible. “The new test is a game-changer as it is a revolutionary improvement in color vision testing which had not changed in the last 60 plus years,” said Genevolve president Matt Lemelin. The genetic test, and much of what is known about color vision itself, represents decades of research by the husband and wife team of Jay and Maureen Neitz, PhD., who are both professors of Ophthalmology, and Biological Structure at the University of Washington.
They worked out the molecular genetic basis for why there are large individual differences in the severity of colorblindness among people with the defect. It is one of the first examples of a defect of the nervous system where examination of a person’s DNA can predict not only the occurrence but also the severity of a defect. The team of researchers has also developed a treatment for the disorder using a gene therapy procedure proven effective in monkeys and featured in the publications, Nature and National Geographic. The discovery was named by Time magazine as one of the top 10 scientific discoveries of the year.
The test, marketed under the Eyedox™ brand, involves using a non-invasive buccal epithelial cell collector to pick up skin cells sloughed daily from the lining of the mouth. The DNA goes to a CLIA certified laboratory where the color genes, which are expressed in the eye but are present in all cells, are specifically analyzed to give both a precise identification and an accurate classification of any inherited color vision deficiency along with a treatment plan and family history which provides information about the inheritance of the disorder.
“This is a major breakthrough because scientists strive to understand the genetic basis of human disease, it is often more important to forecast the severity of the impairment than to merely reveal the presence of a genetic defect,” said Dr. Jay Neitz.
About color vision
Congenital or inherited colorblindness affects the photoreceptors that absorb light in the red-green visual spectrum. Color vision deficiency is the most common genetic disorder in humans. The disorder is most often inherited as the result of mutations on the X chromosome and therefore is predominantly present in the male population. It has been estimated that 1 out of 8 males and 1 out of 200 females possess some form of inherited color vision deficiency. Studies indicate there are 13.5 million color vision deficients in the United States and more than 200 million worldwide. Studies show that current testing methods are unreliable, classifying some people with normal color vision as being colorblind, especially young children, and some people, even with severe color vision defects, as being normal. There have been aviation accidents and railway disasters attributed to color vision deficiency increasing the need for more objective color vision testing methods and accurate standards.
About Genevolve Vision Diagnostics
Genevolve Vision Diagnostics, Inc. is a life sciences company which researches, designs and commercializes non-invasive molecular diagnostic assays and treatments for clinical applications for the color vision industry. The company operates in two segments; external agreements and internally held intellectual property. The external agreements section offers partnering options for technology companies and innovators within the color vision industry and provides a commercialization vehicle including product development, distribution options, marketing services and other business services on a contractual basis. The internally held IP segment researches, licenses, develops and commercializes novel molecular diagnostics and treatments for color vision deficiencies. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
###
Do you think this will gain any traction with the FAA?
Also good read:
http://www.cvdpilots.com/forum/topic/13
Aviation personnel inflicted with color blindness anxious for a permanent fix and frustrated with unfair testing standards – Genevolve has turnkey solutions.
By Pedro A. da Ponte
Color blindness is the most common genetic disorder in humans affecting hundreds of millions around the world. The condition is predominantly present in males and congenital in nature thus it remains unchanged throughout a person’s life. Color blindness can have disastrous effects on the aspirations of pilots and other aviation personnel. One extremely controversial aspect affecting the entire aviation industry, from ATC’s to aircraft inspectors and especially pilots, is current color vision testing methods and the accuracy of results.
There is no globally accepted testing method and this is of particular importance to the European Union as EASA takes over the JAA. One country may test color vision using the oft used and badly outdated Ishihara, invented by Japanese ophthalmologist, Dr. Shinobu Ishiáhaára in 1917. It is a widely accepted fact that the test has inherent flaws, passing some that may have trouble distinguishing colors and denying many that are surely capable of commanding a cockpit. Another country on the other side of the globe may use the Holmes-Wright Lantern or a Farnsworth color arrangement test with each test possessing its own set of validation concerns. If a pilot is to fail any one of these tests, they are normally red-flagged and discriminated against, in the form of stiff restrictions, likely for the rest of their careers’ or worse yet barred from flying altogether. This leads aspiring pilots to pass a test in a country with loose standards and fly into a tightly restrictive country thumbing their nose. If an individual is to slip thru the system, a life of fear of being found out is a constant threat.
There is a solution to these unfair testing standards on the horizon which doesn’t include moving to Timbuktu. Genevolve Vision Diagnostics has developed a genetic test for color vision. “It is the first totally objective color vision test that can consistently separate color blind individuals from those with normal color vision and accurately classify color vision deficiencies. As such, it offers a solution to the problem of setting uniform standards in the workplace” said Genevolve president Matt Lemelin. These days, if a medical examiner identifies the slightest color vision defect, a complex and costly battery of tests is ordered or worse yet, the individual is black listed. With all of these tests, each having their own inconsistencies and improprieties, many workplace advocates are clamoring for a globally accepted fair testing standard. The genetic test is a major step towards this goal as it is expected to increase pilot admissions by up to 40% and eliminate false positives by 100%. The test is planned to be available to clinicians by the end of the year. We encourage pilots and other aviation personnel to voice their opinions on the CVDpilots.com forum and join forces to overcome the political landscape and adopt fair testing standards.
The genetic test, and much of what is known about color vision itself, represents decades of research by the husband and wife team of Jay and Maureen Neitz, PhD., who are both professors of Ophthalmology, and Biological Structure at the University of Washington. "In addition to the genetic test, we have discovered a method to cure color blindness and our goal is to commercialize it by 2013” says Neitz. The procedure using a gene therapy technique, shown effective in monkeys has been featured in the publications, Nature and National Geographic and named by Time magazine as one of the top 10 scientific discoveries of the year. The monkeys have been closely followed after only one treatment applied several years ago. The results are extremely encouraging since the monkey’s color vision is as robust as when the procedure was first applied. “I can see a future where an individual is tested with our genetic test early on in life and the gene therapy procedure is applied as a standard of care, but to reach this goal, we must overcome a few obstacles” said Lemelin. One hurdle is funding; Genevolve is offering an investment opportunity to qualified investors and the company is particularly keen to involve color blind individuals to tap into personal passions of finding a cure. For the most part, regulatory requirements have been met and the initial feedback from the pre-clinical trial is very positive. Further animal testing is being performed as the company is gearing up for actual applications in human beings. To confidentially register as a test subject and to receive regular updates, go to http://www.genevolve.com/test-subject-enrollment.html.
12-13-2011, 09:23 PM
#3
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Joined APC: Aug 2011
Position: DA-20 Left
Posts: 58
So, ive been reading and didn't understand completely...
After I get the test done to determine my own plan of action, do they start you on gen therapy? Cause on the site it mentionsthst gene therapy is still in its infancy
They also tell you that they will advise you which fruits to eat and what occupations to avoid, however as you all know, I'm not trying to avod aviaton! I'm trying to usethis gene thing to help me achieve that goal!
Sorry this is typed on an iPhone so pardon the bad grammar and punctuation
After I get the test done to determine my own plan of action, do they start you on gen therapy? Cause on the site it mentionsthst gene therapy is still in its infancy
They also tell you that they will advise you which fruits to eat and what occupations to avoid, however as you all know, I'm not trying to avod aviaton! I'm trying to usethis gene thing to help me achieve that goal!
Sorry this is typed on an iPhone so pardon the bad grammar and punctuation
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