Abstract: An optical adapter system for a smart-phone has a lens and a light transmission guide within a housing. The adapter lens is located at the distal end of the housing in optical alignment with the smart-phone's camera lens, and the light transmission guide extends from one end that is adjacent to the smart-phone's light source toward the distal end of the housing and directs light outside of the housing to the subject being imaged. The optical adapter is preferably used in combination with the smart-phone as an ophthalmic examination tool and can be used with a computer program that runs on the smart-phone's processor. The computer program can be calibrated for use with the particular optical adapter and can be used to control the smart-phone's imaging system, such as varying the intensity of the light source, and can determine a refractive error in a patient's eye.

Abstract: An adapter system connects a smart-phone or other camera to an ophthalmoscope or other viewing instrument at multiple locations with a single bracket. A fitting attached to the bracket connects the adapter to the viewing instrument in the region near its view port, close to the optical axis. A brace attached to the bracket connects the adapter to the viewing instrument in the region of the instrument's handle or other support structure, located away from the optical axis. The brace has a frame that holds the camera in place and aligns the camera lens with the optical axis of the instrument. The processor of the smart-phone or other mobile communications device can provide specific information related to the particular viewing instrument and can also be used in the operation and control of smart-scope instruments through a communications link.