Developing a portable device for eye imaging to detect diabetic retinopathy

Nonmydriatic ultra-widefield fundus photography employing trans-pars-planar illumination

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10459424

This study is testing a new, easy-to-use device that takes clear pictures of the eye's retina without needing to dilate your pupils, helping to better screen for diabetic retinopathy in people with diabetes, especially in areas where eye care is hard to access.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10459424 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a portable imaging device that can capture detailed images of the retina without the need for pupil dilation. It aims to improve the screening and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness in individuals with diabetes. By utilizing a novel illumination technique, the device is designed to be cost-effective and easy to use, making it suitable for telemedicine applications, especially in rural and underserved areas. The project will validate the device's effectiveness in accurately screening and classifying diabetic retinopathy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those who do not have any risk factors for diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, potentially preventing vision loss in patients with diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using widefield fundus photography for diabetic retinopathy screening, indicating that this approach could be a meaningful advancement in the field.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Diabetes Mellitusdiabetes
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.