A Novel, Smartphone-Based, Teleophthalmology-Enabled, Widefield Fundus Imaging Device With an Autocapture Algorithm

PURPOSE: Widefield imaging can detect signs of retinal pathology extending beyond the posterior pole and is currently moving to the forefront of posterior segment imaging. We report a novel, smartphone-based, telemedicine-enabled, mydriatic, widefield retinal imaging device with autofocus and autocapture capabilities to be used by non-specialist operators. METHODS: The Remidio Vistaro uses an annular illumination design without cross-polarizers to eliminate Purkinje reflexes. The measured resolution using the US Air Force target test was 64 line pairs (lp)/mm in the center, 57 lp/mm in the middle, and 45 lp/mm in the periphery of a single-shot retinal image. An autocapture algorithm was developed to capture images automatically upon reaching the correct working distance. The field of view (FOV) was validated using both model and real eyes. A pilot study was conducted to objectively assess image quality. The FOVs of montaged images from the Vistaro were compared with regulatory-approved widefield and ultra-widefield devices. RESULTS: The FOV of the Vistaro was found to be approximately 65° in one shot. Automatic image capture was achieved in 80% of patient examinations within an average of 10 to 15 seconds. Consensus grading of image quality among three graders showed that 91.6% of the images were clinically useful. A two-field montage on the Vistaro was shown to exceed the cumulative FOV of a seven-field Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study image. CONCLUSIONS: A novel, smartphone-based, portable, mydriatic, widefield imaging device can view the retina beyond the posterior pole with a FOV of 65° in one shot. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: Smartphone-based widefield imaging can be widely used to screen for retinal pathologies beyond the posterior pole.