Smartphone Fundus Imaging

Abstract

Retinal fundus photography is an indispensable tool in clinical ophthalmology. Advancements in retinal imaging techniques and technology have made it possible to photo-document retinal findings, and practice telemedicine more effectively. This thesis investigated and validated the feasibility of building a smartphone based retinal fundus imaging device called oDocs Fundus. The device was successfully manufactured with additive manufacturing technology and used in conjunction with a 20 Diopter ophthalmic condensing lens and a smartphone. The photobiological risk of the system was measured in an optical laboratory and is within the limits in accordance to ISO 15004-2.2. A total of 94 retinal photographs from 52 patients were acquired with both a conventional fundus camera and the oDocs Fundus. The images from both systems were then assessed and rated by two ophthalmologists. The two ophthalmologists were able to establish a clinical diagnosis from the images of both the conventional fundus camera and oDocs Fundus with high accuracy and high level of agreement. However, the image quality from the retinal photographs obtained with the oDocs Fundus is consistently below that of a conventional fundus camera. A qualitative survey was conducted among healthcare professionals in Gisborne, New Zealand. The majority of clinicians own a smartphone and over 80% are ready to adopt telemedicine as part of their daily clinical practice.