Abstract
Purpose :
Stereo vision is a vital aspect of ophthalmic exams and diagnosis of ocular disease. Limited options exist to extend stereo viewing for use in real-time ophthalmic education and remote consultation. We aimed to develop a novel stereoscopic device prototype using virtual reality (VR) headsets to allow for 3D live streaming of ophthalmic exams, with intention for low-cost, adaptable use in education, outreach, and consultation
Methods :
Color cameras (See3CAM-CU135 by e-consystems),13.0 MP, 60 fps, were mounted to slit-lamp oculars in an ophthalmic exam room, using custom mounting hardware. The slit-lamp operator and an in-room observer each wore customized VR headsets of varying resolution (Operator: 4k, observer: Smartphone),. while a slit lamp exam of the anterior segment and external anatomy was performed in multiple test iterations. Live video of the slit lamp exam was fed via USB-C cables to a laptop. Using Open Broadcasting Software, the side-by-side 3D live video feed from each slit-lamp camera was optimized and securely streamed to the VR headsets worn by the slit lamp operator (streamed via HDMI) and the in-room observer (streamed via the VR’s smartphone WiFi).
Results :
A stereoscopic Prototype A Teleophthalmology Device was developed and provided high-quality, real-time, dynamic, and replicable 3D visualization of the anterior segment and external anatomy to the slit-lamp operator and in-room observer. Advantages of the device included ease of set-up, reliable stereopsis, low cost of development, and wide availability of device components. Limitations of the prototype included wired connections to computer and operator VR headset, intermittent feed latency, exposure variability, and intermittent user disorientation before adaptation.
Conclusions :
The Prototype A Teleophthalmology Device is a visual communication system developed to capture and distribute 3D exam imaging among providers and trainees to enable diagnosis, consultation, and educational goals. Widespread availability of device components allow for low-cost, adaptable use, including for teaching and consultation in low-resource environments. Additional optimization and study of the prototype in the clinical environment is needed to further establish its utility and to assess performance parameters.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.