With much attention focused on constantly evolving advanced imaging technologies, such as OCT and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, it is sometimes easy to forget what an integral part of eye care practice digital retinal cameras have become.
And with retinal photography offered as a pre-screening service in many practices, the need for accurate image capture with sufficient ease for support staff to undertake the procedure has meant modern cameras have developed to a point where their operation is almost fully automated.
This is demonstrably so with a sleek new retinal camera system from Italian tech company NextSight that was launched in the UK earlier this year (UK distributor Grafton Optical).
The Nexy
The Nexy looks different. It comprises a lightweight camera unit (figures 1 and 2) which is operated from a linked tablet (figure 3).
Though not designed as a portable system, I was able to use the unit in different locations without too much transportation challenge – despite the best efforts of the Beast from the East. The main specifications of the Nexy are listed in table 1.
Figure 2
The main selling points of the camera include:
- Minimal operator demand
- Fast operation – 45 degree field retinal images for different areas of retina possible within 15 seconds
- Easy image manipulation on tablet screen
- Easy image transfer for telemedicine purposes
Figure 3
Patient data entry is quick and exploits a very user friendly onscreen graphic interface (figure 4).
Figure 4
You can then select which eye and up to seven different retinal areas for the camera to centre upon. With the patient positioned up to the soft rubber face pads, you simply press the capture button and the machine does the rest with fully automated location and focusing. It is a white light system so, though non-mydriatic, operates better in lower room illumination levels.
Figure 5
Once completed, the images taken are displayed on the tablet where they can be enhanced, manipulated, compared side by side (figure 5) and saved.
Table 1: Nexy Specifications
The tablet is linked to an online data centre and this allows images to be viewed and analysed remotely if the system is to be used in the field by technicians reporting back to a specialist.
Figure 6
Figure 6 shows some of the images taken in the very short time I had access to the unit. These can easily be printed from a linked printer and in a format personalised to your practice if required.
It was not possible to take a full image anything less than clear, focused and detailed – no matter what I tried.
Further information from www.graftonoptical.org.