Abstract
Purpose :
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the success rate of capturing clinically useful fundus photographs using a new robotic fundus imaging device in a real-world setting.
Methods :
The NW500 (Topcon Healthcare, New Jersey) was placed in a private optometry practice and used to capture bilateral fundus image of 101 consecutive subjects. Pupil size, visual acuity, eye color, cataract status and grade, and primary diagnosis were all recorded. The operator used automated mode by default but attempted a second image if the first image was not successful, using manual mode if necessary. Fundus photo image quality was assessed for determination of clinical usefulness using a 5-point grading scale. Clinical usefulness was based upon image quality assessment for visibility of clinically relevant fundus features (optic disc, macula, fine retinal vessels) based on the following image quality factors: focus, illumination, field definition, artifact, and media opacity.
Results :
A total of 101 subjects (55 female, 46 male) were enrolled (76 white, 11 Asian, 14 other ethnicity). Pupil sizes ranged from 2.19 to 7.07 mm (mean: 4.0 mm, standard deviation: 0.8 mm). Nine had IOLs, and 13 had cataract (12 grade 1, 1 grade 2). Out of 202 eyes attempted, 11 images had to be retaken using manual mode, for a first-time success rate of 95%. Out of 101 subjects imaged, 90 had an image quality on both eyes of 4 or 5.
Conclusions :
The NW500 was able to successfully capture an image in all 101 consecutive subjects, including on eyes with pupils smaller than 3mm. These resulting images were rated as having mostly high quality. This ability to automatically acquire high quality images with a very high success rate may be useful in screening scenarios.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Imaging in the Eye Conference, held in New Orleans, LA, April 21-22, 2023.