Novel smartphone attachment for ophthalmic and otoscopic exams

Abstract

Eye exams, specifically of the retina, are often underutilized by clinicians in treating patients with diseases that have eye manifestations. This is due, in part, to the inherent difficulty in learning to use a direct ophthalmoscope. Currently, the instructor and student are not able to simultaneously visualize the retina. Recent investigations have introduced devices that incorporate the use of a smartphone, which could facilitate teaching and allows storage of images from the eye exam. Although incorporating a smartphone provides the ability to track progression of disease, as well as an avenue for telemedicine, the devices add significant bulk. Herein is described a novel device with interchangeable ophthalmic and otoscopic attachments for a custom smartphone case. The ophthalmic attachment is less than 5% the size of currently available technology. It is designed to be as simple as the direct ophthalmoscope in that it can easily be operated with one hand, but can also capture high quality images of the optic nerve and central retina. The otoscopic attachment provides similar benefits for visualization of the tympanic membrane and ear canal. Decreasing device size and providing attachments for both eye and ear exams facilitates improved patient care.