A REVOLUTIONARY new system to improve eye surgery is being developed by a Ripon company, thanks to assistance from Business Link North Yorkshire.

Genesis Medical Products Ltd, which makes surgical instruments and disposable products for head and neck surgery, has secured a DTI-sponsored Smart award to undertake a feasibility study into the development of a disposable kit for use in corneal transplant surgery.

The new kit will enable transplant surgery to be carried out more accurately and cost-effectively than before, making it ideal for use in remote locations such as overseas mission hospitals.

The company, at Phoenix Business Centre, Low Mill Road, Ripon, received help and guidance from Roger Benson, Business Link North Yorkshire's innovation and technology adviser, who has now helped 36 businesses secure £1.9 million in Smart awards in the past two years.

Anne Weston, managing director of Genesis Medical Products said: "This is potentially a very exciting development in ophthalmic surgery. With conventional methods of transplant surgery there is quite a high risk of post-operative complications, which in some cases may lead to donor cornea rejection. We expect to be able to reduce significantly the incidence of post-operative complications using the new technique.

"We are very grateful for the advice we have received from Roger Benson at Business Link. Without his expertise and encouragement this project may well never have got further than the initial design concept."

Mrs Weston, who set up Genesis in 1993, adds: "If all goes to plan I can see us needing to expand our personnel to help cope with the extra demand."

Mr Benson said: "I am delighted that our help has proven so fruitful for Genesis. Many businesses throughout York and North Yorkshire have benefited from the Smart scheme after receiving support from Business Link in the preparation of their applications."

The DTI also recently introduced a Smart Micro Project award to help smaller enterprises (with fewer than ten employees).