Effectiveness of the VistaView Device for Retinal Examination in Pediatric Patients

by Amber Osorno

Coauthors: Dr. Donny Suh, MD, MBA Dr. Kourosh Shahraki, MD

Medical Devices & Digital Health

The current gold standard for retinal examination in clinical practice involves the use of slit lamp bio microscopy and indirect ophthalmoscope which requires expensive equipment and specialized training. The VistaView device, developed by Volk, is a handheld digital ophthalmoscope that uses autofocus, illumination adjustment, and voice capture technology to capture retinal images. This portable and user-friendly device enables healthcare providers to quickly diagnose patients without the need for specialized ophthalmology facilities.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the VistaView device in a pediatric population, particularly when operated by non-specialized users. Patients will be recruited from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Medical Center and CHOC Children’s Hospital. Research assistants will utilize the VistaView device to capture retinal images and determine the cup-to-disc ratio, a key indicator of optic disc abnormalities or any retinal problems. The results obtained by the research assistants will be compared to those of ophthalmologists, considered the gold standard in retinal examination.
Preliminary findings suggest that the VistaView device is effective in diagnosing retinal and optic disc abnormalities in pediatric patients. The VistaView device holds great potential for diagnosing patients in remote areas with limited access to ophthalmology care, owing to its affordability and portability. Furthermore, its capability to safely store and share retinal images facilitates expedited screening, diagnosis and treatment.
The study anticipates validating the use of this device in a pediatric population and discovering potential areas for implementation, like resident education or specialty examinations in neurology and general pediatrics. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance access to ophthalmology care and improve diagnostic capabilities in pediatric populations.