A handheld device for eye imaging in patients who cannot cooperate
Official title: A Widefield, Handheld OCT system for Patients who are Unable to Cooperate
Funded at Theia Imaging LLC · NIH-10921796 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use handheld imaging device that helps doctors take pictures of the eyes in babies and young children who can't sit still for regular tests, making it easier to spot and treat eye problems like retinopathy in premature infants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Theia Imaging LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $979,292 |
| NIH project number | 2R44EY033604-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10921796 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants, young children, and individuals with disabilities who are unable to cooperate with standard OCT imaging procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are able to cooperate with traditional OCT imaging methods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a lightweight, handheld Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system designed specifically for patients who are unable to cooperate during traditional imaging procedures, such as infants and young children. The new device aims to provide high-speed, widefield imaging capabilities, allowing for better diagnosis and management of retinal diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations like premature infants at risk for retinopathy. By improving accessibility to OCT imaging, this research seeks to address a significant gap in care for patients who currently cannot undergo standard OCT procedures due to their inability to comply with the requirements of existing devices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of retinal diseases in patients who are typically excluded from traditional imaging methods.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using handheld OCT systems for pediatric patients, but this specific approach aims to enhance the technology significantly.
Where this research is happening
-
Theia Imaging LLC
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viehland, Christian — Theia Imaging LLC
- Study coordinator: Viehland, Christian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A fast, lightweight handheld OCT for patients who can’t cooperate
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Ultrahigh-Speed Handheld OCTA for patients who can’t cooperate
A fast handheld eye scan device helps diagnose eye disease in infants, uncooperative children, and very ill adults who can’t stay still.
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Widefield handheld eye scanner for infants and patients who can't sit still
This project builds a lightweight, fast handheld retinal scanner to capture wide views of the back of the eye for infants, young children, and patients who cannot use standard tabletop machines.
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Widefield handheld retinal OCT for infants and patients who can't cooperate
A lightweight, fast handheld eye scanner that captures wide views of the retina for babies and patients who cannot sit still or fixate.
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A new imaging device for patients who can't hold still during eye exams
This study is testing a new, super-fast eye imaging tool that helps doctors see the tiny blood vessels in the eye without needing any injections, making it easier for babies, young kids, and older adults who might have trouble with regular eye exams.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.