An augmented reality platform that allows patients to visualise and gain deeper understanding of surgical procedures has been shortlisted for a national award.
The Cleft Lip Education through Augmented Reality (CLEAR) programme, developed by the Glasgow School of Art and the NHS’s West of Scotland Innovation Hub helps guide families through cleft lip surgery.
By scanning a specially designed leaflet with a smartphone or tablet, patients and families can view a lifelike, animated 3D model that walks them through the surgical process, helping to reduce anxiety and improve understanding before their child’s operation.
The leaflet began supporting families in Greater Glasgow and Clyde as part of a pilot in 2023 and was subsequently made available for wider adoption the following year.
The project, led by Professor Steven Lo, Consultant Plastic Surgeon with NHS Greater Glasgow’s Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit and Innovation Fellow at the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, and Professor Paul Chapman, Director of Emerging Technology at The Glasgow School of Art, has been named a finalist at this year’s Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards.
The team’s nomination also acknowledges their work on a newly-developed Breast Care augmented reality app, designed to help women preparing for breast reconstruction surgery after cancer treatment.
The app uses augmented reality to visually demonstrate key steps of the operation, offering patients clearer insight into what the procedure will involve.
It has also been developed by Prof Lo and Prof Chapman with expertise in medical visualisation and 3D modelling from the Glasgow School of Art, and funded by the Beatson Cancer Charity.
The Breast Care app is anticipated to launch for patient use later this year.
The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards celebrate exceptional partnerships between academia, industry, and public services.
This year’s winners will be revealed at a ceremony at MacRobert Arts Centre at the University of Stirling on Thursday, 19 March.
The recognition underscores the expanding role of immersive technology within NHSGGC and the impact it can have on patient communication, experience and shared decision‑making.
Prof Lo, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Innovation Fellow at the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for this award.
“The CLEAR programme and our new Breast Care augmented reality app reflect years of collaborative work focused on improving patient understanding at some of the most stressful moments in their care journey.
“Augmented reality allows us to communicate complex procedures in a way that is accessible, reassuring, and empowering for patients and their families. Importantly, this overcomes the literacy gap and reduces inequalities in understanding.
“I’m grateful to all our partners and the patients who helped turn these ideas into impactful tools that are now supporting real people across Scotland.”
Prof Paul Chapman, Director of Emerging Technology at GSA, said: “Glasgow School of Art is proud to have partnered with Professor Steven Lo, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub on the CLEAR programme and the Breast Care augmented reality app.”
