Use of a Smartphone-Based Device for Fundus Examination in Birds: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Wildlife Medicine
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Ophthalmic examination is critical for avian triage and assessing rehabilitation potential.
• Traditional fundoscopy methods (direct/indirect ophthalmoscopy) can be challenging in avian patients.
• Technological advancements have led to portable, affordable retinal imaging systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a smartphone-based device for avian fundus examination.
• To compare smartphone-based fundoscopy with traditional lens methods in birds.
• To identify factors influencing the success of smartphone-based avian fundus imaging.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, cross-sectional observational study involving 77 eyes from 39 birds across 15 species.
• Fundus examination using a smartphone-based device after topical rocuronium-induced pupil dilation.
• Comparison with traditional fundoscopy using 20D, 30D, and 78D lenses.

Main Results:

• Smartphone-based fundus examination was satisfactory in 44 eyes, moderately satisfactory in 15, and unsatisfactory in 18.
• Pupillary dilation success varied, with satisfactory dilation in 17 eyes, moderate in 32, and absent in 28.
• Feasibility was impacted by globe shape, pupil dilation quality, iris color (difficult with orange/bright irises), and species (owls were easiest).

Conclusions:

• Smartphone-based fundus examination is a feasible diagnostic tool for most bird species encountered in wildlife rehabilitation.
• This technology can aid in prompt therapeutic planning and rehabilitation evaluation for avian patients.
• Further refinement may improve imaging success rates across a wider range of avian species and iris colors.