The SmartScope is a so-called “fundus” camera that can make a picture of the back of the eyeball (fundus) through the pupil. The visual inspection of the fundus is an important step in the prevention of loss of vision caused by diseases such as diabetes mellitus. High blood pressure, often a consequence of diabetes, can lead to damage of the retinal veins, which in turn might lead to loss of vision and, in the worst case, to blindness. By visually looking at the deviations of the fundus, future visual problems can be prevented through timely intervention. The objective is to prevent vision loss caused by diseases such as diabetes mellitus. By regularly analysing the fundus, disease progression can be monitored and steps are taken in time.
The Finnish company Optomed has put a portable fundus camera on the market. The research question is as follows:
- Who uses the SmartScope fundus camera in the Netherlands?
- For which applications is the SmartScope used in the Netherlands?
- What are the positives and negatives according to the Dutch users?
- How can the design of the camera be improved with regard to ergonomics, ease of use and software, specifically for the Dutch users? (Draft Proposals)
This project is carried out by 14 graduate students from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and 22 students from the Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.