Accessible digital ophthalmoscopy based on liquid-lens technology

Abstract

Ophthalmoscopes have yet to capitalise on novel low-cost miniature optomechatronics, which could disrupt ophthalmic monitoring in rural areas. This paper demonstrates a new design integrating modern components for ophthalmoscopy. Simulations show that the optical elements can be reduced to just two lenses: an aspheric ophthalmoscopic lens and a commodity liquid-lens, leading to a compact prototype. Circularly polarised transpupilary illumination, with limited use so far for ophthalmoscopy, suppresses reflections, while autofocusing preserves image sharpness. Experiments with a human-eyemodel and cadaver porcine eyes demonstrate our prototype’s clinical value and its potential for accessible imaging when cost is a limiting factor1.