A pioneering augmented reality collaboration that helps patients visualise and better understand surgical procedures has been shortlisted for a national award.
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 research collaboration is recognised in the Research and Innovation in Digital Health and Social Care category for their groundbreaking augmented reality initiatives that support patient understanding and surgical preparation.
The team co-developed the Cleft Lip Education through Augmented Reality (CLEAR) programme, a world‑first technology that uses augmented reality to guide families through cleft lip surgery. This uses a fully visual form of communication, overcoming barriers caused by linguistic, literacy, dyslexia and learning difficulties.
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 programme was developed in partnership with Glasgow School of Art and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, and was funded by the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
The leaflet started supporting families in Greater Glasgow and Clyde as part of a pilot in 2023 and it was then made available for wider adoption the following year.
The team’s nomination also recognises 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 expected 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 announced at a ceremony at MacRobert Arts Centre at the University of Stirling on Thursday, 19 March.
The recognition highlights the growing 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.
“By combining clinical expertise with GSA’s strengths in design, 3D modelling and visual communication, these projects help patients and families understand complex procedures and feel more informed as they prepare for surgery.”
Dr Katriona Brooksbank, Research and Innovation Lead for the West of Scotland Innovation Hub and NHSGGC, said: “It’s fantastic to see Steven’s work recognised on a national stage.
“His innovations demonstrate exactly what can be achieved when clinicians, designers, researchers and charities come together with a shared purpose.
“The West of Scotland Innovation Hub is committed to supporting responsible and meaningful use of emerging technologies, and both the CLEAR programme and the Breast Care AR app are outstanding examples of how digital innovation can genuinely enhance patient experience and clinical communication.
“We are incredibly proud of the impact these projects are making.”
Kirsten Watson, CEO, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity: “Professor Lo’s nomination for this award is richly deserved.
“The innovative AR technology that was developed with Professor Chapman immediately transforms how children and families understand cleft surgery.
“Clear, simple communication helps to reduce anxiety and helps children navigate their surgical journey. Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is delighted to have funded this pioneering project, which has helped so many children and families from across Scotland who require cleft surgery in Glasgow.”
Gillian Hailstones, Chief Executive of Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “Funding the Breast Care augmented reality app allowed us to support a practical solution to a very real gap in patient information.
“For women considering breast reconstruction after cancer treatment, understanding what surgery involves is crucial to informed decision making.
“This app uses clear, visual communication to support those conversations, helping patients prepare for surgery in a way that is accessible and inclusive.
“It’s an excellent example of how collaboration between clinicians, designers and charities can translate innovation into meaningful benefit for patients.”