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    Indirect Ophthalmoscope Designed for Extreme Affordability

    By Aaron Wang, MD; Rengaraj Venkatesh, MBBS; Pavan Kumar Gurudatta Sr; John M. Avallone, MD; David L. Guyton, MD
    AAO 2015
    Comprehensive Ophthalmology

    Many ophthalmologists in developing areas forgo indirect ophthalmoscopy because of high equipment cost: An indirect ophthalmoscope costs $2,000 and a video-equipped version $10,000. However, it is an essential part of a complete exam because it provides a wide field of view and allows for the peripheral fundus exam. The producers of this video developed an indirect ophthalmoscope that costs $30 in parts and mounts to a smartphone with viewing lenses. It allows for the indirect exam to be performed in the same manner as a traditional indirect ophthalmoscope. Ophthalmologists at the Aravind Eye Hospital in India found this device very useful for recording fundus exams in the clinic and operating rooms and at screening camps in under-served villages.