Hillrom has launched an upgraded version of its handheld retinal camera under its Welch Allyn subsidiary, designed to spot the signs of diabetic retinopathy during a routine doctor’s office visit with the help of a remotely linked ophthalmologist.
Connected via Wi-Fi, the imager syncs up with major electronic medical record systems, and transmits images for diagnosis to local eye doctors or specialists at the telehealth provider RetinaVue.
The mobile camera also features a 60-degree field of view, as well as a fully automated algorithm that assesses clarity when capturing images in pupils as small as 2.5 mm. Welch Allyn cited a study (PDF) showing its device could rival larger tabletop cameras in image readability and quality.
“Our next-generation RetinaVue 700 Imager offers primary caregivers a simpler, faster and more cost-effective way to help customers achieve patient compliance with eye exams and help catch vision-threatening disease earlier," said John Groetelaars, president and CEO of Hillrom, which rebranded from Hill-rom this past May. The company describes diabetic retinopathy as the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.
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Welch Allyn and RetinaVue’s care delivery model includes the previous RetinaVue 100 handheld camera, as well as the connected CenterVue DRS tabletop retinal scanner. Welch Allyn also offers the handheld Spot Vision screening device, which scans for vision issues in people as young as 6 months, at a distance as far as three feet away.