A new imaging device for patients who can't hold still during eye exams
Official title: Ultrahigh Speed OCT Angiography System for Patients who are Unable to Cooperate
Funded at Theia Imaging LLC · NIH-10547018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Theia Imaging LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $259,603 |
| NIH project number | 1R43EY034418-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10547018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants, young children, and older adults who have difficulty cooperating during traditional eye imaging due to health or mobility issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are able to cooperate with standard imaging techniques may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an ultrahigh-speed optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) system specifically designed for patients who are unable to cooperate during traditional imaging procedures. This includes infants, young children, and older adults who may be sick or have mobility issues. The new device aims to provide non-invasive imaging of the retinal microvasculature without the need for contrast agents, making it accessible for those who typically cannot undergo standard imaging techniques. By improving the ability to diagnose retinal diseases in these vulnerable populations, the research seeks to enhance patient care and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the diagnosis and management of retinal diseases in patients who are typically unable to participate in standard imaging procedures.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using handheld OCTA devices is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in improving imaging access for difficult-to-scan populations.
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
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.