Easy-to-use self-aligning eye imaging for emergency and urgent care
Self-aligning, motion-stabilized ocular imaging for eye care in urgent and emergent care settings
['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11161612
This project makes a self-aligning, motion-stabilized eye scanner that helps emergency and urgent care clinicians get clear pictures of the retina and front of the eye for patients with eye complaints.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11161612 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is creating a remote, semi-autonomous imaging device that can capture retinal OCT, scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and anterior segment photos without an on-site eye specialist. The device self-aligns and stabilizes against motion so non-specialist staff in emergency and urgent care can operate it where patients already are. The researchers will deploy and test the system in clinical urgent and emergency settings to see if it produces diagnostically useful images and reduces the need for delayed specialty referrals. If successful, the platform could later support remote diagnoses in places with limited access to eye care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients who come to emergency or urgent care with eye symptoms such as vision changes, eye pain, trauma, bleeding, or concerns involving the front or back of the eye.
Not a fit: Patients who require immediate specialist procedures (for example severe chemical burns) or who are too medically unstable to sit for imaging may not benefit from this device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could speed up diagnosis, give on-the-spot eye imaging in the ER or urgent care, and reduce delays and extra referrals to eye specialists.
How similar studies have performed: Handheld and clinic OCT/SLO devices are established, but the specific approach of a self-aligning, motion-stabilized system for non-specialists is relatively new and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KUO, ANTHONY NANLIN — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KUO, ANTHONY NANLIN
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 below.