Keeping Up with New, Emerging Technologies

Aside from performing diagnostic tests on patients of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and referring ophthalmologists, the Advanced Retinal Imaging Laboratory and the Retina Center actively participate in the development of new technology in the field of retinal imaging. From 1996 to 1998, we acquired several new instruments that included the Retinal Thickness Analyzer, RetCam 120, 3D Ultrasound Tomography System, Heterochromatic Flicker Photometer and the Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope.

From 1996 to 1998, we acquired several innovative imaging devices that included the Retinal Thickness Analyzer, RetCam 120, 3D Ultrasound Tomography System, Heterochromatic Flicker Photometer and the Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope. Of these, the 3D ultrasound Tomography System underwent a series of changes in both hardware and software based on our research reports and recommendations.This eventually evolved to become the present system with high-resolution ultrasound (20 MHz) and UBM (35/50 MHz) capabilities.

In 2001, we obtained the prototype version of the combination time-domain OCT/SLO designed for retinal imaging, and coordinated with its manufacturer for the instrument to achieve full potential and clinical utility. This machine was eventually made commercially available in 2005, and we continue to work closely with its developers to institute further improvements to the device.

In 2006, we were the first to acquire the spectral-domain OCT/SLO, which is the state-of-the art OCT imaging device for retinal imaging. We also obtained the prototype version of the OCT/ICG, which incorporates digital ICG imaging with the OCT/SLO system. The time-domain anterior segment OCT prototype was also introduced at this time which could do cross-sectional and coronal scans of the anterior ocular segment.

To date, we have worked with manufacturers of several other prototypes and new instruments from various companies (including the RTA Anatomy Imager, the Panoret 1000 Panoramic Digital Fundus Camera, the Canon Laser Blood Flowmeter, modified HRA Macular Pigment Densitometer and Retinal Function Imager), and have contributed much to the improvements that have been incorporated in the newer models. Consequently, we are assured that the Advanced Retinal Imaging Laboratory and the Retina Center always have access to the latest version of most cutting-edge diagnostic imaging devices.

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