Abstract: A wide-angle indirect ophthalmoscope that enables an operator to view the retina from the posterior pole to the equator as a single image. The ophthalmoscope has an observable field that can include the entire retina. The ophthalmoscope includes optical fibers built into a contact lens in a circular pattern. The fibers are connected to a light source to illuminate the retina, and the contact lens is utilized for observation. The fibers are maintained in a pre-determined fixed orientation in the lens to produce uniform illumination over the entire retina.

Abstract: A scanning ophthalmoscope for repeatedly scanning a selected portion of an eye fundus has a laser source which produces a directed narrow-beam output and means for scanning the fundus with at least one selected scanning sequence. The scanning beam passes through a pivot point located in a preselected plane, preferably within the eye, for providing a wide field of view. An optical system directs light reflected from the fundus to a detector, which produces an electrical output signal proportional to the detected light. An output element provides a visual representation of the magnitude of the output signal in a spatial distribution corresponding to the scanning sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus for viewing an eye fundus through a contact lens has an illuminating element that illuminates the fundus through the sclera. The illuminating element includes at least one fiber optic bundle with an exit facet for placement contiguous with the sclera, generally through whatever thickness of occular conjunctiva is present. The apparatus also has an optical mask system which masks the image of the fundus portion most intensely illuminated by the fiber optic exit facet to control over-illumination of that fundus portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements in an illuminating system for an ophthalmoscope of the type employing transillumination through the sclera of the eye. One or more fiber optic bundles convey light from a source to the sclera. Each fiber optic bundle has a physically separated tip portion of relatively small size (e.g., less than one inch long) and mass supported in a fitting. The tip portion is biased in a direction away from the main fiber optic bundle, is optically aligned therewith, and has a maximum separation therefrom of approximately 0.160 inch (4 mm). With this arrangement, a light biasing force applied to the tip portion can absorb any movement of the tip portion as it is placed in contact with the eye. The small force thus applied to the eye, even if there is minor over-exertion of pressure by the instrument operator, reduces the possibility of damage to the eye.

Abstract: Apparatus for viewing an eye fundus through a contact lens has a lamp element that illuminates the fundus through the sclera. The lamp element preferably includes at least one fiber optic bundle with an exit facet for placement contiguous with the sclera, generally through whatever thickness of ocular conjunctiva is present. The apparatus can include a further lamp element having fiber facets arrayed around the viewing lens for illuminating the fundus through the crystal lens of the eye being examined.

Abstract: A wide-angle indirect ophthalmoscope contains a contact lens that fits over a cornea and is surrounded by two rings of optical fibers for illumination of the eye fundus. The two rings of fibers are oriented to maximize illumination of the fundus while reducing troublesome reflections. The inside ring is formed of fibers with a numerical aperture and inclination selected to illuminate 100.degree. of the retina. The outside ring of fibers illuminates the periphery of the retina up to 150.degree.. The location and inclination of the rings are calculated to prevent blockage of the entrance pupil of the observation system while avoiding direct illumination of the entrance pupil.A lens series for use in an ophthalmoscope in combination with the contact lens is also disclosed.Further, a fundus camera contains the contact lens, the two rings of optical fibers, and a lens series for use in conjunction with a camera having a 50 mm focal length.