A Portable, Inexpensive, Nonmydriatic Fundus Camera Based on the Raspberry Pi® Computer

Purpose. Nonmydriatic fundus cameras allow retinal photography without pharmacologic dilation of the pupil. However, currently available nonmydriatic fundus cameras are bulky, not portable, and expensive. Taking advantage of recent advances in mobile technology, we sought to create a nonmydriatic fu...

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Main Authors: Bailey Y. Shen, Shizuo Mukai
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2017-01-01
Series:Journal of Ophthalmology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/4526243
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author Bailey Y. Shen
Shizuo Mukai
author_facet Bailey Y. Shen
Shizuo Mukai
author_sort Bailey Y. Shen
collection DOAJ
description Purpose. Nonmydriatic fundus cameras allow retinal photography without pharmacologic dilation of the pupil. However, currently available nonmydriatic fundus cameras are bulky, not portable, and expensive. Taking advantage of recent advances in mobile technology, we sought to create a nonmydriatic fundus camera that was affordable and could be carried in a white coat pocket. Methods. We built a point-and-shoot prototype camera using a Raspberry Pi computer, an infrared-sensitive camera board, a dual infrared and white light light-emitting diode, a battery, a 5-inch touchscreen liquid crystal display, and a disposable 20-diopter condensing lens. Our prototype camera was based on indirect ophthalmoscopy with both infrared and white lights. Results. The prototype camera measured 133mm×91mm×45mm and weighed 386 grams. The total cost of the components, including the disposable lens, was $185.20. The camera was able to obtain good-quality fundus images without pharmacologic dilation of the pupils. Conclusion. A fully functional, inexpensive, handheld, nonmydriatic fundus camera can be easily assembled from a relatively small number of components. With modest improvements, such a camera could be useful for a variety of healthcare professionals, particularly those who work in settings where a traditional table-mounted nonmydriatic fundus camera would be inconvenient.
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spelling doaj-art-2c801744ddd940a69a08909762c321d62025-08-20T02:24:04ZengWileyJournal of Ophthalmology2090-004X2090-00582017-01-01201710.1155/2017/45262434526243A Portable, Inexpensive, Nonmydriatic Fundus Camera Based on the Raspberry Pi® ComputerBailey Y. Shen0Shizuo Mukai1Department of Ophthalmology, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USARetina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114-3096, USAPurpose. Nonmydriatic fundus cameras allow retinal photography without pharmacologic dilation of the pupil. However, currently available nonmydriatic fundus cameras are bulky, not portable, and expensive. Taking advantage of recent advances in mobile technology, we sought to create a nonmydriatic fundus camera that was affordable and could be carried in a white coat pocket. Methods. We built a point-and-shoot prototype camera using a Raspberry Pi computer, an infrared-sensitive camera board, a dual infrared and white light light-emitting diode, a battery, a 5-inch touchscreen liquid crystal display, and a disposable 20-diopter condensing lens. Our prototype camera was based on indirect ophthalmoscopy with both infrared and white lights. Results. The prototype camera measured 133mm×91mm×45mm and weighed 386 grams. The total cost of the components, including the disposable lens, was $185.20. The camera was able to obtain good-quality fundus images without pharmacologic dilation of the pupils. Conclusion. A fully functional, inexpensive, handheld, nonmydriatic fundus camera can be easily assembled from a relatively small number of components. With modest improvements, such a camera could be useful for a variety of healthcare professionals, particularly those who work in settings where a traditional table-mounted nonmydriatic fundus camera would be inconvenient.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/4526243
spellingShingle Bailey Y. Shen
Shizuo Mukai
A Portable, Inexpensive, Nonmydriatic Fundus Camera Based on the Raspberry Pi® Computer
Journal of Ophthalmology
title A Portable, Inexpensive, Nonmydriatic Fundus Camera Based on the Raspberry Pi® Computer
title_full A Portable, Inexpensive, Nonmydriatic Fundus Camera Based on the Raspberry Pi® Computer
title_fullStr A Portable, Inexpensive, Nonmydriatic Fundus Camera Based on the Raspberry Pi® Computer
title_full_unstemmed A Portable, Inexpensive, Nonmydriatic Fundus Camera Based on the Raspberry Pi® Computer
title_short A Portable, Inexpensive, Nonmydriatic Fundus Camera Based on the Raspberry Pi® Computer
title_sort portable inexpensive nonmydriatic fundus camera based on the raspberry pi r computer
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/4526243
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