About Us
Phoenix Research Laboratories, Inc. was established to contribute to the war against
blindness by developing advanced imaging devices for research using small animals.
Founder N.A. (Bert) Massie, Ph.D. stated:
"I am proud of my role in leading the RetCam pediatric retinal imaging program, and very excited to see over seven hundred units in service about the world. My new venture Phoenix Research Laboratories will focus on serving the needs of eye healthcare researchers and continues to reflect my values of contributing to the war against blindness through innovative instrumentation."
The MICRON began as a retinal imaging microscope for mice and rats. Professor Robert Marc, Ph.D. of Moran Eye and Professor John Flannery, Ph.D. of U.C. Berkeley were kind enough to lend consultation as to the clinical requirements and Kenneth Greenberg, Ph.D. of U.C. Berkeley provided assistance in testing.
The MICRON product line has been very well received. The MICRON prototype was introduced at ARVO 2008. The MICRON II was introduced at ARVO 2009, and was then delivered to an enthusiastic market. Incorporating inputs from our users, the MICRON III made its debut in the spring of 2010, providing higher sensitivity for fluorescent imaging.
What began as a retinal microscope is now becoming a comprehensive imaging system for eye research. Phoenix has enhanced the system through attachments, providing other imaging modalities.
- Retinal imaging for bright field, fluorescein angiography, and fluorescent imaging
- Slit-lamp Anterior Segment Imaging
- Image Guided Focal ERG
- Image Guided Laser
Coming soon, the Company will introduce:
- Means for imaging larger animals such as rabbits and monkeys
- Ability to image at very high resolution
The Company is targeting the release of two very significant technologies at ARVO 2012.
N.A. (Bert) Massie, Ph.D.
- the person, the passion
Dr. N.A. (Bert) Massie began his career in aerospace where he made significant contributions to technologies for Star Wars. His original work specialized in high performance means for optical testing which led to numerous patents, papers, book, and wide recognition for his contributions. Dr. Massie's work in advanced technologies as applied to Star Wars for adaptive optics are still in use today.
In 1995 Dr. Massie left a senior position at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories to follow his passion to contribute to eye healthcare through advanced technologies. He led the development and deployment of the RetCam pediatric retinal imaging system, currently used in 38 countries. The RetCam has fulfilled the vision of changing the management of pediatric retinal diseases worldwide and it has become the standard of care for the most vulnerable patients.
Phoenix Research Laboratories continues the passion to change the means for conducting research through small animal research. The expansion of the MICRON program is exciting as the technology is becoming a platform for comprehensive platform for eye research technologies.
Phoenix Research Laboratories has rapidly become the industry leader, with cutting-edge innovations that directly address the needs of the eye research community.
The Phoenix is a mythical bird that is a fire spirit. At the end of its life cycle, it builds a nest of twigs, which then ignites. The nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new phoenix is reborn anew to live again.