The Honda Foundation has announced that Dr. James G. Fujimoto, Elihu Thomson Professor of Electrical Engineering at MIT, will receive the prestigious Honda Prize 2024. The award recognizes his groundbreaking work in developing Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a transformative imaging technology that has become a standard diagnostic tool in ophthalmology, as well as his contributions to its commercialization and clinical applications in cardiology and biomedical research.
Revolutionizing Eye Care with OCT
OCT allows for the non-invasive visualization of biological tissues by using near-infrared light to produce detailed cross-sectional images, significantly advancing the study of the human eye. Before OCT, ophthalmologists could only observe the fundus from the front using dyes, leaving parts of the eye, like the optic nerves, hidden. With OCT, doctors can now examine the retina and other internal structures with high precision, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as retinal detachment, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and epiretinal membrane (ERM).
“OCT has revolutionized ophthalmology, providing a fast, accurate, and non-invasive method of diagnosing critical eye diseases,” said Dr. Fujimoto.
Impact on Medical Care
Dr. Fujimoto’s research has dramatically reduced the burden on patients by eliminating the need for invasive procedures during eye examinations. OCT’s rapid imaging capabilities—requiring just a few seconds—have shortened diagnostic times and reduced medical costs, making it a key tool in early disease detection and follow-up care.
From Lab to Clinic
After publishing his initial research on OCT in 1991, Dr. Fujimoto led a collaborative effort between clinician scientists and engineers, achieving the first in vivo human retinal images with OCT by 1993. The first commercially available OCT ophthalmoscope was launched in 1996, marking the beginning of OCT’s widespread clinical adoption.
Honda Prize Ceremony
The 45th Honda Prize award ceremony will take place on November 18, 2024, at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. Dr. Fujimoto will be awarded a medal, diploma, and 10 million yen for his outstanding contributions to advancing medical imaging technology and improving patient care worldwide.
The Honda Prize is awarded annually by the Honda Foundation, which was established by Soichiro Honda and his brother Benjiro, and is currently led by President Hiroto Ishida. It recognizes individuals and groups who contribute to the advancement of human knowledge and the development of a better future.
