Completed project
Sarov
Intraocular Lens Production
The purpose of the project was to develop an innovatory system for producing lenses for
surgical implantation into the eye in the treatment of cataract. This required the use of
polymers which are formed in a mould, together with a unique photo-hardening procedure.
Modern technology for microsurgery of the eye
permits the implantation of artificial foldable ocular
lenses through an incision measuring only about 2.2
mm. Providing for such operations is now one of the
most important requirements for competing in the
market for opthalmological products. The Sarov-based
scientific and manufacturing enterprise IS has recently
successfully completed a CNCP project focusing on
developing and fine-tuning a system for the serial
production of modern artificial foldable intraocular
lenses (IOL). The preparation of such lenses is based
on original technology involving the photo-hardening
of liquid polymer in quartz moulds with the help of
ultraviolet radiation. This procedure results in lenses
with ideal smooth surfaces, which do not require any
mechanical elements. Obviously, behind this outwardly
simple process lies a whole gamut of know how.
At the time when the project began, the company
depended on a single product, an ageing model of
hard polymer IOL. Penetrating the national market for
opthalmological products involved facing up to powerful
and technologically advanced foreign producers atuned
to the dynamic development of the sector. The market
was demanding European standards of quality. To meet
this competition, IS needed outside help, which arrived
through the CNCP Programme. By the time of the
completion of the project, the company had caught
up with its competitors by introducing a modern high technology production line.
At present, IS is engaged in
the serial production of 9 models of IOL together with
a further 250 different eye implant products.
Through the CNCP project, the company acquired
new technology. The so-called «clean rooms» were
also created, substantially extending the technological
possibilities for the company. This gave the creative
activities of the specialist and production staff of IS a
powerful stimulus. Total output rose to five times its earlier
level. The increased activity spread to other spheres. One
example of this was that we set about organising serial
production of flexible dressings for wounds, using gellike
elastic materials based on nano materials, which
enjoy good market prospects. Mastering the production
of flexible foldable IOLs required the introduction of
new technologies and materials. More than 50 new
polymers with differing characteristics were synthesised
and tested and several generations of original production
equipment were developed.
In developing our IOLs we needed to meet
parameters, which exceeded the standards applying for
products offered to the general consumer by most of
the world brands. Test trials were carried out in several
foreign clinics, which assessed IS’s lenses favourably.
This confirmed not only the quality of our IOLs, but also
the existence of worthwhile export potential. However,
to gain access to these markets demanded a lot of work,
involving the introduction of ISO 9001:2000 and ISO
13485:2003 Standards into the company. We are now
constantly on the lookout for business partners in
countries with developing economies. In addition to
direct deliveries we are also looking at alternatives such as
the establishment of joint ventures in other countries.
Here it is necessary to underline the invaluable help which
the CNCP Programme provided through educational activities for
project leaders involving exchange of experience
with colleagues from Russia and the countries of the
NIS. As far as the Russian market is concerned, once
we begin to produce the new model of intra-ocular lens,
we will be able to strengthen our position, despite the
absence of state orders and measures to support the
production of medical products in the country. The
assistance provided through CNCP, enabled us to raise
the strategic potential of our company to impressive
heights. And I think that the hundreds of thousands of
Russians, who have improved their sight with the help
of IS products created as a result of the fulfilment of the
CNCP project, would support my words of gratitude.
Andrei Malkov,
General Director, Scientific Production Holding IS
| 
Home
Grant Aid
Overview
Completed projects