Development of a smartphone-based retinal imaging device for stable fundus imaging

To develop a smartphone-based imaging device and evaluate the operability and image acquisition performance.

Prospective pilot study.

A prototype device was developed, integrating a smartphone holder, a 28-diopter lens holder, and a neck strap. Sixteen examiners (nine ophthalmology residents and seven certified orthoptists) recorded the fundus videos of a healthy volunteer for 60 seconds using three methods: manual handheld, a commercially available non-medical smartphone holder, and our device. Each video was converted into 1,800 frames. Frames were judged as success if they met four criteria: inclusion of the optic disc and macula, fundus coverage > 75%, minimal artifacts, and sharp focus. The image acquisition rate (stability) and the shortest image acquisition time (usability) were compared among the three conditions.

The image acquisition rate was significantly higher with our device (31.49 ± 32.53%) compared to the manual handheld (5.31 ± 12.35%; P = 0.0024) and the commercial non-medical holder (3.68 ± 6.96%; P = 0.0057). The shortest image acquisition time was also significantly lower for our device (15.27 ± 24.03 s) than for the other two methods (handheld: 47.10 ± 21.44 s, P = 0.0078; commercial non-medical holder: 36.69 ± 27.29 s, P = 0.0080).

The device demonstrates significantly improved stability and ease of use compared with conventional methods. Its design may help reduce operator dependency and facilitate fundus image acquisition in supine patients. Further validation in the intended clinical populations is warranted.