Abstract: A non-mydriatic, non-contact ultra-widefield fundus (u-WF) photographic imaging system and method are provided for performing u-WF photographic imaging of the eye. The non-mydriatic, non-contact u-WF photographic imaging system includes an illumination system that delivers trans-pars-planar illumination to the eyeball. This frees the entire pupil to be used for imaging. Freeing the entire pupil to be used for imaging allows a u-WFC of the non-mydriatic, non-contact u-WF photographic imaging system to use a relatively simple optics system to capture an ultra-wide FOV. Eliminating the need to dilate the pupil and the need to make contact with the eye while performing imaging eliminates the many problems associated with mydriatic, contact-mode fundus imaging systems and methods. In addition, the system can be implemented in a way that makes it highly suitable for telemedicine applications in underserved areas where clinics and trained healthcare providers may not be available.

Abstract: A wide-field fundus indirect ophthalmoscopy method and apparatus are provided that can be miniaturized to be suitable for employment in a smartphone and that overcome limitations of existing smartphone wide field fundus imaging devices and methods, such as high cost, clinical deployment challenges and limited field of view. The wide-field fundus indirect ophthalmoscopy method and apparatus are also well suited for use in rural and underserved areas where both expensive instruments and skilled operators are typically not available. The wide-field fundus indirect ophthalmoscopy method and apparatus enable wide-field snapshot fundus images to be captured with wide fields of view (FOV) under mydriatic and non-mydriatic conditions and also enables video recordings of the fundus to be captured from which montages can be constructed with even wider FOVs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for illuminating the fundus of an eye for wide-angle fundus photography. The present disclosure delivers light through a pars planar area of the eye for illuminating the interior of the eye, or through an eyelid and a pars plana of the eye. Trans-pars-planar illumination frees the entire pupil for imaging and therefore eliminates need for pupil dilation or complex balancing between illumination and imaging in previous wide-angle fundus photography based on trans-pupillary illumination. Additionally, the present disclosure discloses, when an optical fiber bundle multiple-channel trans-pars-planar illuminator placed adjacent to the pars plana, at least one optical fiber in the optical fiber bundle aligns with the pars plana to deliver light through the pars plana into the fundus of the eye, thus eliminating the previous problem of having to move an optical fiber to search a location of the pars plana.

Abstract: A non-mydriatic, non-contact ultra-widefield fundus (u-WF) photographic imaging system and method are provided for performing u-WF photographic imaging of the eye. The non-mydriatic, non-contact u-WF photographic imaging system includes an illumination system that delivers trans-pars-planar illumination to the eyeball. This frees the entire pupil to be used for imaging. Freeing the entire pupil to be used for imaging allows a u-WFC of the non-mydriatic, non-contact u-WF photographic imaging system to use a relatively simple optics system to capture an ultra-wide FOV. Eliminating the need to dilate the pupil and the need to make contact with the eye while performing imaging eliminates the many problems associated with mydriatic, contact-mode fundus imaging systems and methods. In addition, the system can be implemented in a way that makes it highly suitable for telemedicine applications in underserved areas where clinics and trained healthcare providers may not be available.

Abstract: A wide-field fundus indirect ophthalmoscopy method and apparatus are provided that can be miniaturized to be suitable for employment in a smartphone and that overcome limitations of existing smartphone wide field fundus imaging devices and methods, such as high cost, clinical deployment challenges and limited field of view. The wide-field fundus indirect ophthalmoscopy method and apparatus are also well suited for use in rural and underserved areas where both expensive instruments and skilled operators are typically not available. The wide-field fundus indirect ophthalmoscopy method and apparatus enable wide-field snapshot fundus images to be captured with wide fields of view (FOV) under mydriatic and non-mydriatic conditions and also enables video recordings of the fundus to be captured from which montages can be constructed with even wider FOVs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for illuminating the fundus of an eye for wide-angle fundus photography. The present disclosure delivers light through a pars planar area of the eye for illuminating the interior of the eye, or through an eyelid and a pars plana of the eye. Trans-pars-planar illumination frees the entire pupil for imaging and therefore eliminates need for pupil dilation or complex balancing between illumination and imaging in previous wide-angle fundus photography based on trans-pupillary illumination. Additionally, the present disclosure discloses, when an optical fiber bundle multiple-channel trans-pars-planar illuminator placed adjacent to the pars plana, at least one optical fiber in the optical fiber bundle aligns with the pars plana to deliver light through the pars plana into the fundus of the eye, thus eliminating the previous problem of having to move an optical fiber to search a location of the pars plana.