Low-Cost 3D-Printed Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope

TL;DR

Researchers created a low-cost, compact 3D-printed ophthalmoscope that is safe and meets industry standards.

Contribution

The novel contribution is a low-cost, compact, and safe 3D-printed binocular indirect ophthalmoscope.

Findings

The 3D-printed BIO cost $182.26 to produce and weighed 120 g.

The device met ISO and ANSI safety and performance standards.

The design is suitable for both resource-rich and resource-limited settings.

Abstract

Background: Currently available binocular indirect ophthalmoscopes (BIOs) are large and expensive. We sought to create a compact, low-cost 3D-printed BIO.

Methods: The BIO was made with off-the-shelf electronics and optical components, computer-aided design (CAD), and a consumer-grade 3D printer. Ocular light safety was tested with a spectrometer.

Results: The component cost of the 3D-printed BIO was $182.26. The wireless, spectacle-style BIO weighed 120 g and was more compact than commercially available BIO's, with the advantage of a battery incorporated into the frame. The BIO met the International Organization for Standardization's standards for indirect ophthalmoscopes, as well as the American National Standards Institute's Group 1 light hazard protection standards for ophthalmic instruments.

Conclusions: It is possible to produce a high-quality, low-cost BIO using CAD and 3D printing. Such a BIO may be useful in both resource-rich and resource-limited settings.

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