Useful, interesting, or maybe both

This column is often, but not always, about ophthalmic tech. This is one of those ‘not always’ editions. Time to share some interesting or useful things from the internet which can help in a number of ways, from preparing presentations...

The future of SLT?

For Feb/Mar 2024, we are looking at a recently released laser machine to perform direct SLT – selective laser trabeculoplasty (DSLT). Although SLT is well known, DSLT is sufficiently novel that a brief description is a good place to start....

Presentation feedback tools

The topic of this issue stems from a desire to find the best free-to-use tool for collecting feedback after a presentation. It is a common requirement for clinicians to collect audience feedback after a teaching session. This feedback contributes toward...

3D printing and ophthalmology

3D printers have been available in the home market for many years, with the range of models increasing over time and the costs reducing. Historically, 3D printers have built a reputation of being complex and uncommon, most needing significant assembly...

Hype or helpful: ChatGPT

It would have been hard to miss all the attention chatbots have received over the last few months. Whilst ChatGPT is easily the most well-known example of the large language models that have become so widespread of late, artificial intelligence...

Headset perimetry

Visual field analysers are traditionally large table mounted devices, designed specifically for field capture and analysis. Over the last year or so a number of companies have started to disrupt this space with the introduction of headset-based field analysers, mostly...

The future of binocular viewing systems?

I recently had the pleasure to visit Vision Engineering’s headquarters and manufacturing facility in Woking, UK. Vision Engineering have built an international reputation for engineering microscopes that provide 3D visualisation without the use of traditional optical eyepieces. Although the company...

Glasgow eye department continues to disrupt ocular simulation training through novel DRV system - the first of many?

Ongoing technological developments are enabling continuous progress to be made across all aspects of medical simulation training. This is particularly true within the field of ophthalmology, where surgical training advancements have enabled the role of simulation to expand dramatically over...

Vision Buddy: A sight enhancement wearable to enhance TV and computer viewing

This review of the Vision Buddy system continues our recent series on wearable assistive technology. The main component of the Vision Buddy system is a VR-type headset, designed to assist users with a range of tasks primarily within the home...

ARx - Augmented Reality Headset

In a continuing look at wearable technology, for those with sight impairment, for Aug/Sep we are looking at the recently released ARx. In previous issues we have covered the Envision Glasses and the OrCam MyEye. The ARx is a device...

Portable corneal topography – exploration of a prototype

Ophthalmic imaging devices, such as corneal topographers, are not widespread in the developing world. A small device that connects to a smartphone might be a solution to improve developing nation access to corneal imaging. I recently had the opportunity to...

OXSIGHT Onyx – A sight-enhancing wearable

The Onyx is a newly-released (late 2021) wearable with a powered magnifier to assist those with central vision impairment. Unlike the previously covered wearable devices, this enhances existing sight. The unit can either be held against the eyes when needed,...