Modular imaging device scores well

Dallas-The recently launched EyeScan modular ocular imaging device (Ophthalmic Imaging Systems [OIS]) provides high-quality images and has the potential to save practices time and money, said Todd Agnew, OD, a private practitioner in Dallas who was involved in beta-testing the unit.

The portable device captures both anterior and posterior segment views through six interchangeable imaging modules and can transition from capturing one type of image to another without moving the patient or the device. The device received 510(k) market clearance from the Food and Drug Administration in December.

Selling points

"What I found is that relative to the other cameras that require a decent skill set in order to capture a clear image, [the device] is much easier to go ahead and use, and even people who aren't really experienced taking pictures of the back or front surface of the eye have gotten clear pictures for me," he said. "Without a doubt, the majority of the images have been clear and easy to take."

"It's a valuable time-saver if you don't have to spend lots of time training somebody to help take those images," he said.

He also noted that the device can obtain 5.3-megapixel images, which provide better detail than images produced by some other imaging equipment, as well as capture live video segments. The maximum image capture rate is three images per second.