Introducing TowardPi: Next-Generation OCT/A Imaging

TowardPi have arrived in the UK, and they’re already making a significant impact in the world of ophthalmology. 

With a growing global reputation, TowardPi are at the forefront of advanced optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) technology, offering highly sophisticated imaging systems built for precision, speed and ease of use.  Mainline are proud to be their official UK distribution partner. We’re helping to bring the next generation of OCT and OCTA technology to the market, but who are TowardPi, and what makes their diagnostic tools different? 

Who are TowardPi?

Founded in 2017, TowardPi are a leading manufacturer of ophthalmic imaging systems, widely recognised in Asia for their high-specification Swept Source OCT (SS-OCT) devices. The company is vertically integrated, designing, developing and manufacturing their own optical, mechanical, and electronic components, allowing them to maintain complete control over performance and quality. This in-house capability has allowed TowardPi to become the first manufacturer globally to commercialise a 400kHz full-range ultra-widefield SS-OCT system, a significant step forward in both clinical imaging and ophthalmic research. Their ethos centres around manufacturing excellence. Anything they cannot procure, they build themselves, meaning that any TowardPi device is built with only the highest-quality components.

What makes TowardPi products different?

TowardPi are now bringing their tried-and-tested instruments to the UK, and we couldn’t be more excited! Here’s what makes TowardPi products so unique:

1. Ultra-widefield OCT-A in a single capture

Conventional OCT systems typically require multiple stitched scans to visualise the peripheral retina, which is a time-intensive process prone to motion artefacts. In contrast, TowardPi’s devices can capture up to 120° in a single 7-15 second scan, enabling widefield visualisation of both structural and vascular features. Take the following images as examples: https://www.main-line.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-4.png A high-quality ultrawide OCT-A with fine details, all captured in a single image. Other devices need to montage to get this field of view. TowardPi gets it in one shot. https://www.main-line.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-5.png Here we see a comparison between the TowardPi Yalkaid YG-100k, the TowardPi BMizar BM-400k and traditional OCTs (pictured in the inner box). This is a single 120-degree image, not a montage – a significant improvement on what’s currently available on the market.

2. Non-invasive vascular imaging without dyes

TowardPi’s swept source OCTA technology offers clear, high-resolution vascular imaging without fluorescein or ICG dye, eliminating the need for intravenous injection and reducing associated risks. Clinicians can visualise microvascular changes in retinal and choroidal layers with minimal patient discomfort, making TowardPi systems particularly well-suited for routine monitoring of chronic conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, AMD, and retinal vein occlusion. https://www.main-line.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-6.png Proliferative diabetic retinopathy with NVD. Image was taken without the need for intravenous dyes.  By removing the need for intravenous dyes, TowardPi’s technology cuts out the need for extra clinical staff when it comes to examination, making the process more comfortable for patients, and more efficient for staff. 

3. Proprietary high-speed data acquisition

TowardPi has developed a custom data acquisition chip and imaging architecture optimised specifically for SS-OCT. This infrastructure avoids the signal bottlenecks common in other platforms, enabling faster image acquisition and real-time processing without compromising resolution. The BMizar system achieves an industry-first 400kHz A-scan rate, significantly reducing acquisition time and motion artefacts while enabling larger scan areas and deeper penetration. A 3D image of a PCV case showing the flow in the outer retina (purple) and superficial & deep vascular plexus (blue/green). Separating these two structures allows us to get more information about where the problem sits. Highlighting the location and shapes of polyps in PED and branch vascular network (BVN) in details which no one has visualised before. https://www.main-line.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-1000-x-628-px.gif

4. Choroidal Vascular Quantification

The 1060nm swept-source wavelength enables both of TowardPi OCTs to achieve deeper penetration through the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE). This allows the instruments to provide exceptional choroidal imaging, while also enhancing the ability to quantify vessels and visualise the vortex vein system.

5. Anterior Segment – OCTA

The high acquisition speed and extended anterior scan depth (up to 15mm on the Yalkaid) enable high-resolution imaging of the entire anterior segment.  Automatic detection of the scleral spur and angle recess streamlines anterior segment measurements and assessments. Additionally, OCT-A allows evaluation of anterior segment blood flow, including the identification of corneal and iris neovascularisation.

6. Ease of use in clinical practice

Despite being technically sophisticated, TowardPi systems have been designed with ease of use in mind at all times.  Operators can achieve diagnostic-quality imaging after just 5–10 minutes of training, making the platform suitable for specialist imaging centres, general ophthalmic clinics and research establishments. Not only this, but TowardPi’s eye tracking technology helps to improve ease of use in clinical practice. Eye tracking helps to minimise movement artefacts and ensure repeatability. https://www.main-line.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-8.pnghttps://www.main-line.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-7.png

Learn more about TowardPi’s UK products

The BMizar BM-400k and the YALKAID YG-100k are now available in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know about each:

  https://www.main-line.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/BMizar-no-table-1.png

BMizar 400kHz Full-Range SS-OCT

The BMizar is TowardPi’s flagship system and the first OCT platform in the world to offer a 400kHz A-scan rate with full-range, ultra-widefield imaging. Designed for high-end clinical settings and research institutions, BMizar provides exceptional speed, depth, and image clarity, enabling detailed visualisation of both the posterior segment and choroidal vasculature in a single capture.

Key features:

• 400,000 A-scans per second – Industry-leading acquisition speed drastically reduces scan time and patient movement artefacts.
• Ultra-widefield imaging up to 24mm x 20mm – Capture peripheral retinal pathology without montage stitching.
• High axial resolution – Enables precise visualisation of retinal microstructures and subtle pathology.
• Advanced swept-source light engine (1060nm wavelength) – Enhanced penetration through media opacities and improved choroidal imaging.
• Integrated OCT Angiography (OCTA) – Clear, dye-free vascular imaging across large fields of view.
• Real-time image rendering – Immediate visual feedback for clinicians.
• 128Hz eye tracking – Eliminate the motion artifact from the UWF-OCTA image and ensure the accuracy of follow up alignment.

Clinical applications:

• Ideal for diabetic eye disease, AMD, CSR, retinal vein occlusion, and other vascular pathologies.
• Allows for longitudinal monitoring of retinal disease without the use of contrast agents.
• Exceptional utility in research settings requiring comprehensive structural and vascular data.

Explore BMizarhttps://www.main-line.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Yalkaid2.png

YAlkaid YG 100kHz Full-Range SS-OCT

The YAlkaid YG offers a highly capable, full-range SS-OCT system with a 100kHz A-scan rate, making it well suited for routine clinical use while retaining many of the advanced features seen in higher-end systems.  It represents a cost-effective entry point into the world of swept-source OCT, without compromising on diagnostic power. Key features:

• 100,000 A-scans per second – High-speed imaging suitable for daily clinical workflows.
• High-resolution structural OCT — Deep penetration into retinal and choroidal layers.
• Full-range scanning depth – Enables imaging from the vitreoretinal interface to the choroid-scleral junction, from cornea to posterior lens capsule in a single pass, with a 15mm anterior scan depth by default.
• Compact and ergonomic design – Space-efficient footprint for integration into clinic rooms or mobile setups.
• Optional OCTA module – Enables vascular imaging if required.

Clinical applications:

• Well suited for general ophthalmology, medical retina, and optometric practices.
• Reliable imaging of conditions such as glaucoma, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and early AMD.
• Excellent balance of performance and affordability for high-volume settings.

Explore Yalkaid YG

A step forward in retinal imaging

Whether you are screening for early pathology, monitoring disease progression, or conducting ophthalmic research, TowardPi systems deliver an imaging platform that is both clinically robust and operationally efficient. We understand that it can be difficult to conceptualise just how impactful new technologies can be on your practice. If you’d like to see what TowardPi can do in person, don’t hesitate to book a demo with a member of our specialist team.    Alternatively, if you have any questions that you’d like to ask, we’re always here to help. Reach out either via [email protected] or give us a call on +44 (0)121 458 6800. [contact-form-7 id=”8″ /]