Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have developed two inexpensive iPhone accessories that make it possible for anyone with minimal training to perform an eye exam.
The two adapters attach to the iPhone enabling the device to capture high quality images of the front and back of the eye.
Ophthalmology resident David Myung, MD, PhD, lead author of two papers describing the development and clinical experience with the devices, began the project with assistant professor of ophthalmology Robert Chang about two years ago, just before Myung began his residency at Stanford. The papers were published online March 7 in the Journal of Mobile Technology in Medicine.
Typically the equipment used to photograph the eye is expensive, costing up to tens of thousands of dollars. It also requires extensive training to use properly. Often the equipment isn't available to primary care physicians and emergency departments, especially in rural areas.
“Adapting smartphones for the eye has the potential to enhance the delivery of eye care — in particular, to provide it in places where it’s less accessible,” said Myung. “Whether it’s in the emergency department, where patients often have to wait a long time for a specialist, or during a primary-care physician visit, we hope that we can improve the quality of care for our patients, especially in the developing world where ophthalmologists are few and far between."
The adapters will initially be available for purchase for research while the team 'seeks guidance' from the FDA. The production cost of each adapter is under $90; however, the goal is to reduce that even further.
Read More [via GizMag]
The two adapters attach to the iPhone enabling the device to capture high quality images of the front and back of the eye.
Ophthalmology resident David Myung, MD, PhD, lead author of two papers describing the development and clinical experience with the devices, began the project with assistant professor of ophthalmology Robert Chang about two years ago, just before Myung began his residency at Stanford. The papers were published online March 7 in the Journal of Mobile Technology in Medicine.
Typically the equipment used to photograph the eye is expensive, costing up to tens of thousands of dollars. It also requires extensive training to use properly. Often the equipment isn't available to primary care physicians and emergency departments, especially in rural areas.
“Adapting smartphones for the eye has the potential to enhance the delivery of eye care — in particular, to provide it in places where it’s less accessible,” said Myung. “Whether it’s in the emergency department, where patients often have to wait a long time for a specialist, or during a primary-care physician visit, we hope that we can improve the quality of care for our patients, especially in the developing world where ophthalmologists are few and far between."
The adapters will initially be available for purchase for research while the team 'seeks guidance' from the FDA. The production cost of each adapter is under $90; however, the goal is to reduce that even further.
Read More [via GizMag]