Evaluation of the SVOne: A Handheld, Smartphone-Based Autorefractor

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Vision Science

Background:

• Accurate refractive error assessment is crucial for vision correction.
• Traditional methods include retinoscopy, subjective refraction, and autorefractors.
• Portable, objective aberrometry offers potential advantages in accessibility and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of the SVOne handheld aberrometer.
• To compare SVOne measurements with retinoscopy, subjective refraction, and two commercial autorefractors.
• To assess the accuracy and repeatability of the SVOne for refractive error determination.

Main Methods:

• Refractive error was measured in 50 young adults using SVOne, retinoscopy, subjective refraction, Topcon KR-1W, and Righton Retinomax-3.
• Measurements were taken with and without cycloplegia.
• Repeatability was assessed in a subgroup of 10 subjects; data analyzed using power vectors (M, J0, J45).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in spherical equivalent (M) were found across techniques.
• SVOne showed a higher mean precycloplegic J0 and the largest limits of agreement for astigmatic components (J0, J45).
• Retinoscopy and subjective refraction demonstrated the best repeatability for pre- and postcycloplegic M values, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The SVOne handheld aberrometer provides objective refractive error measurements comparable to established clinical methods.
• Its accuracy and portability make it valuable for vision screenings and non-clinical settings.
• The SVOne can serve as a useful adjunct to standard optometric examinations.