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Ocular laser bio-meter, fast and cheap early diagnosis of vision impairment

Year:
2018
Duration:
25 months
Approved budget:
$150,000.00
Researchers:
Dr Ehsan Vaghefi
Health issue:
Vision/hearing/speech
Proposal type:
Explorer Grant
Lay summary
Overall, global vision loss costed nearly $3 trillion in 2010 for the 733 million people living with low vision and blindness. Clinical screening for most common causes of blindness worldwide (uncorrected refraction, cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration) is extremely expensive. This is mainly due to numerous imaging modalities utilised and clinical time involved to perform a comprehensive eye exam. We are developing two novel laser-based imaging modalities and a comprehensive visualisation platform, together called Optical Laser Biometry (OLB). OLB will replace several ophthalmic imaging modalities and will enable affordable vision-care delivery at remote or lower socio-economic communities, considerably reducing inequalities in this field. We have finalised the proof of concept of OLB and have successfully tested this prototype. By combining two different laser scanning modalities (3 laser sources, mounting stages and several cameras), OLB will be cheap to manufacture in New Zealand. OLB will also be stand-alone and portable.