Development of a low-cost, extended-range, autorefractor This project proposal seeks to develop technologies that will lower the cost of and increase the accessibility of refractive eye care, especially in low-resoure settings. We propose to advance our previously developed low-cost, handheld device capable of automatically measuring the optical properties of the eye based on the technique of wavefront aberrometry. The proposed work will specifically focus on the development of optical and software systems will extend the device's measurement range to work on a larger range of refractive errors. First, optical systems with no moving parts will be developed which enable the device to work on subjects with severe myopia or hyperopia (<--6 diopters or >6 diopters of refractive error). Second, algorithms that make the device easy and intuitive to use will be implemented. Third, a handheld prototype incorporating these improvements will be constructed and validated in model eye systems. The output of this project will be a functional, extended-range prototype that will facilitate the fild-testing and commercialization of a low-cost, easy-to-use device to dispense eyeglass prescriptions.

Public Health Relevance

'Development of a low-cost, extended-range, autorefractor' This project proposal seeks to develop technologies that will lower the cost and increase the accessibility of refractive eye care, especially in low-resource settings. Specifically, optical and software systems will be developed that will extend the measurement range of a low-cost device that automatically prescribes eyeglasses for patients with a large range of refractive errors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
3R43EY025452-01A1S1
Application #
9349858
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-ETTN-G (12)B)
Program Officer
Wujek, Jerome R
Project Start
2015-09-30
Project End
2017-09-29
Budget Start
2015-09-30
Budget End
2017-09-29
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$25,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Plenoptika, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
079467328
City
Allston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02134