An All-Digital, Binocular, Indirect Virtual Video Ophthalmoscope: A Novel Approach to Retinal Examination and Photography

PURPOSE: We describe a novel method of digital, virtual-reality based binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy which allows for simultaneous stereoscopic recording of the examination with the potential of real-time anatomic correction of the retinal view. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A provisional prototype of the all-digital, binocular, indirect virtual stereo video ophthalmoscope was designed consisting of a generic LED light source and two synchronized closely spaced side-by-side minicameras which are connected to a processor, storage media (a Samsung note-9 android smartphone in the current provisional prototype), and a virtual reality set (VISIONHMD Bigeyes H1 3D Video Glasses, in the current prototype). A custom designed android application was developed to capture the examination media and allow optional real-time anatomical correction of the examination view. Binocular stereoscopic indirect ophthalmoscopy was attempted on 15 eyes of 15 patients without and with digital real-time anatomic correction of the examination view. RESULTS: Binocular, video, stereo ophthalmoscopic media could be successfully obtained in all 15 patients. Anatomic correction of the examination view as well as a collateral observer’s view could be achieved in all 15 patients. CONCLUSION: An all-digital, binocular, stereo, video indirect ophthalmoscopy is a feasible alternative for conventional binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy and provides stereoscopic video documentation identical to what the examiner sees. The examination video can be streamed in the real-time of the examination for educational or telemedicine purposes.