Improving eye imaging for detecting retinopathy of prematurity in infants

Point-of-care ophthalmic diagnostic imaging of retinopathy of prematurity

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University · NIH-11018583

This study is working on a new handheld device that helps doctors see the tiny blood vessels in the eyes of premature babies, making it easier to spot and track retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) so they can provide better care and treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11018583 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the diagnostic imaging techniques for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition that can lead to blindness in preterm infants. The study aims to develop a handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) system that can accurately visualize the retinal microvasculature in infants, overcoming challenges such as infant motion and the inability to fixate. By utilizing advanced imaging technology, the research seeks to provide better tracking of ROP progression and improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for affected infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who are at risk for developing retinopathy of prematurity.

Not a fit: Patients who are not preterm or do not have retinopathy of prematurity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of retinopathy of prematurity, potentially preventing blindness in at-risk infants.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for similar conditions, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.