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Clinician Challenge 2015HiNZDr. Hong Sheng ChiongOphthalmology Registrar, Gisborne HospitalMB BCh BAO, PGDipOphthBS

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That was 5 seconds. Every 5 seconds, a person goes blind. Every 60 seconds a child goes blind. 2

40 Million

The best estimates we have is that there are over 40 million people who are blind. Thats nearly ten times the population of New Zealand. As you can see, 90% of people who are blind lives in the developing countries. People are going blind from conditions that are treatable. If you have done clinical work or electives in the developing nations, you will know that financial situation is a huge barrier to adopt the latest medical technology, treatment and equipment.

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$ 20,000$15,000$$$...$2000

6/6 6/60

One of the challenges lies in the access to standard eye equipment. These are 3 simple tools we use commonly in any ophthalmology / optometry practices for eye examination. A camera for taking a photo of the retina cost around $20000. A slit lamp microscope to examine the front of the eye would easily cost $15,000. A chart for checking visual acuity cost around $2000.4

Shocking truth

68.9% GPs offered tentative diagnosis

43.5% diagnostic error

80% of GPs NOT comfortable treating patients with eye problems

Old tools & Inefficient referral methods

We set out 3 objectives, we called it the 3As. Accuracy, accessibility and affordability. 7

And the truth is, there are more people who have access to cell phones than toilets. 8

STEP 1: Our solution Visual acuity

To overcome step one, we have created a free multi-functional mobile app that allows a clinician to perform all the basic eye examination needed on a visual chart. It comes with 6 different tests including visual acuity, colour vision and checking for macular degeneration. 9

STEP 2 Front of the eye examination

Step 2- examination of the front of the eye. We have created a tiny adapter capable of magnifying the eye up to 10 times. A conventional slit lamp microscope is required to perform this step, but with our design, we managed to convert something that cost 15000 to less than 20 dollars. 10

STEP 3 Examination of the retina

E-referral system

100 vs 37000Affordability

Accuracy

We are also running a pilot clinical trial comparing the retinal images taken on our low cost system versus those taken on standard fundus camera. 14

Accessibility

5000 global users

Caring. Innovation. Collaboration.

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