Apparatus for eye examination

Abstract

There is described an apparatus for use with a slit lamp. The slit lamp has a patient receiving area, and first and second image paths extending from the patient receiving area. The apparatus generally has a frame mountable to the slit lamp, the frame defining an entrance aperture receiving the first and second image paths; a reflective system mounted to the frame and at least partially reflecting the first and second image paths away from the entrance aperture; a pair of mounting elements mounted to respective faces of the frame, the mounting elements sized and shaped for receiving a respective camera; a pair of cameras mounted to respective ones of the mounting elements, the cameras receiving a respective one of the first and second image paths via the reflective system; and a display element facing the patient receiving area and configured for displaying a live video feed.

Description

APPARATUS FOR EYE EXAMINATIONFIELD

[0001] The improvements generally relate to eye examination and more specifically relate to real time eye examination using binocular-type slit lamps.BACKGROUND

[0002] Telehealth services are an innovative solution to healthcare problems met by modern societies; shortage of professionals leads to a saturated health system which is often unable to meet the requirements of an ever growing and aging population. One can think of virtual doctor appointments as being part of the solutions to this problem. However, these appointments usually take place in the form of an interview, with a limited scope of problems and services provisioned by the health care practitioner.

[0003] When it comes to the field of eye care (e.g., ophthalmology, optometry), patients are required to come at a clinic and undergo a wide range of tests by the eye care provider. One of the common tests in this field is the mapping of the eye using a binocular-type slit lamp. Such an instrument is generally provided with an illumination source assembly that can shine a thin strip of light into the eye of a patient, and a binocular microscope for observing the illuminated eye through two ocular elements for examination purposes. Yet, there is room for improvement in making such devices more suited for telehealth consultations.SUMMARY

[0004] The apparatus presented herein can obtain stereoscopic images of anatomical features, such as an eye, while displaying a live feed of an eye care professional to the person subject to the procedure. Such a live video feed can promote interactions between the eye care professional and the patient. Indeed, in some jurisdictions, physical or virtual presence of an eye care professional is legally required for providing diagnostics to a patient. Thus, the apparatus described herein is better suited for telehealth and teleconsultation.

[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for use with a slit lamp, the slit lamp having a patient receiving area, and first and second image paths extending from the patient receiving area, the apparatus comprising: aframe mountable to the slit lamp, the frame defining an entrance aperture receiving the first and second image paths; a reflective system mounted to the frame and at least partially reflecting the first and second image paths away from the entrance aperture; a pair of mounting elements mounted to respective faces of the frame, the mounting elements sized and shaped for receiving a respective camera; a pair of cameras mounted to respective ones of the mounting elements, the cameras receiving a respective one of the first and second image paths via the reflective system; and a display element facing the patient receiving area and configured for displaying a live video feed.

[0006] Further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the display element and one of the cameras can for example be made integral to an electronic device mounted to a corresponding one of the mounting elements.

[0007] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the frame can for example be removably mountable to the slit lamp.

[0008] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the display element can for example be mounted to the frame.

[0009] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the frame can for example be provided in a form of a casing enclosing at least the reflective system.

[0010] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the frame can for example define an exit aperture aligned with the entrance aperture, wherein the frame has a mating portion about the exit aperture, the mating portion mating with a binocular imaging assembly.

[0011] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the reflective system can for example have a beam splitter dividing the first and second image paths into a first path that is directed away from the entrance aperture and a second path that is directed towards the exit aperture.

[0012] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the reflective system can for example have a prism reflector configured for directing the first and second image paths towards respective ones of the cameras.

[0013] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus can for example further comprise an additional display element facing away from the patient receiving area and configured for displaying a stereoscopic image.

[0014] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus can for example further comprise a controller configured for: simultaneously capturing first and second images using the cameras, the first and second images showing the patient receiving area from two different viewpoints; generating a stereoscopic image based on the first and second images; transmitting the stereoscopic image; in response to transmitting the stereoscopic image, receiving a live video feed; and displaying the live video feed towards the patient receiving area via the display element.

[0015] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the controller can for example be further configured for: receiving a second live video feed of a patient receiving area; and transmitting the second live video feed.

[0016] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the display element can for example be part of a mobile device.

[0017] Still further in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus can for example further comprise a microphone and a camera facing the patient receiving area.

[0018] In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of providing a live video stream to a patient receiving area, comprising: simultaneously capturing first and second images using cameras, the first and second images showing the patient receiving area from two different viewpoints; generating a stereoscopic image based on the first and second images; transmitting the stereoscopic image; in response to transmitting the stereoscopic image, receiving a first live video feed; and displaying the firstlive video feed towards the patient receiving area via a display element facing the patient receiving area.

[0019] Further in accordance with the second aspect of the present disclosure, the method can for example further comprise: receiving a second live video feed of a patient receiving area; and transmitting the second live video feed.

[0020] In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for use with a slit lamp, the slit lamp having a patient receiving area, and first and second image paths extending from the patient receiving area, the apparatus comprising: a frame mountable to the slit lamp, the frame defining an entrance aperture receiving the first and second image paths; a reflective system mounted to the frame and at least partially reflecting the first and second image paths away from the entrance aperture; and two mounting elements mounted to respective faces of the frame, the two mounting elements sized and shaped for receiving a respective camera; wherein at least one of the two mounting element is facing the patient receiving area and is sized and shaped for receiving a display element.

[0021] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for use with a slit lamp having a patient receiving area, the apparatus comprising: a frame mountable to the slit lamp, the frame defining an entrance aperture receiving light from the patient receiving area; a reflective system mounted to the frame and at least partially reflecting the received light away from the entrance aperture; a mounting element mounted to the frame, the mounting element sized and shaped for receiving a camera; a camera mounted to the mounting element, the camera receiving the light from the patient receiving area via the reflective system; and a display element facing the patient receiving area and configured for displaying a live video feed.

[0022] Further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the camera can for example be a three-dimensional camera.

[0023] Still further in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the three- dimensional camera can for example be selected from a group of camera types consisting of: a plenoptic camera and a stereoscopic camera.

[0024] All technical implementation details and advantages described with respect to a particular aspect of the present invention are self-evidently mutatis mutandis applicable for all other aspects of the present invention.

[0025] Many further features and combinations thereof concerning the present improvements will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the instant disclosure.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] In the figures,

[0027] Fig. 1 is an oblique view of an example of an apparatus for use with a slit lamp system, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0028] Fig. 2A is an oblique view showing a casing interior of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0029] Fig. 2B is an oblique view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , showing a first mobile device mounted to a front side using a first mounting bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0030] Fig. 2C is an oblique view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , showing a second mobile device mounted to a rear side using a second mounting bracket, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0031] Fig. 3 is an oblique view of another example of an apparatus for use with a slit lamp, showing optical and electronic components thereof, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0032] Fig. 4 is an oblique view of an example of another apparatus for use with a slit lamp, showing a casing interior, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0033] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an example of a computing device of an exemplary controller, in accordance with one or more embodiments; and

[0034] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a software application of an exemplary controller, in accordance with one or more embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Fig. 1 shows an example of a slit lamp system 10 configured for obtaining stereoscopic images of an eye. The slit lamp system 10 includes a patient receiving area 12 for supporting and stabilizing a patient during the image capture. As shown, the patient receiving area 12 is equipped with a chin support and a forehead support in this specific embodiment. The slit lamp system 10 has a support frame 14 to which are mounted the chin support, the forehead support, but also a light source assembly 16 and a binocular imaging assembly 18. The light source assembly 16 is configured for illuminating the eye(s) of the patient with one or more different illumination patterns during examination. The binocular imaging assembly 18 (or binoculars) receives light reflected by the eye of the patient for examination purposes. As depicted, an apparatus 100 is mounted to the support frame 14. As discussed, below the apparatus 100 is configured for capturing stereoscopic images of the eye of the patient without necessarily preventing examination through the binocular imaging assembly 18.

[0036] As depicted, the patient receiving area 12 generally has a seat onto which the patient sits during the procedure. The patient faces the light source assembly 16 and his / her head may rest on the support frame 14 for stabilization. A head stabilizer (not depicted) may be fixed onto the support frame 14 for receiving the head of the patient and positioning the eye in line with the light source assembly 16. The light source assembly 16 is configured for illuminating the patient’s eye and to collect light reflected thereon. The light source assembly 16 can include lenses for focalize light onto an entrance aperture of the apparatus 100. On the opposite side of the apparatus 100, the binoculars 18 are attached to an exit aperture of the apparatus 100 so that the light collected by the light source assembly 16 is provided to the binoculars 18 through the apparatus 100. In this case, an eye care professional may observe the light reflected on the patient’s eye directly through the binoculars 18.

[0037] The apparatus 100 is generally attached to the light source assembly 16 and the binoculars 18 by means of a coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the apparatus ismade integral to the light source assembly 16 and / or the binoculars 18. The light source assembly 16 can be positioned above the head of the patient, such as in Haag Streit type slit lamps, or below the head of the patient, such as in Zeiss type slit lamps. As such, the light source assembly 16 can include a variety of other optical components, such as shutter(s), mirror(s), diffuser(s), filter(s) and the like to propagate, carry and / or modify the light generated by a slit illuminator and a background illuminator, for instance.

[0038] The light source assembly 16 may be provided in one or more illumination pattern such as, but not limited to, diffuse illumination, direct focal illumination, tangential illumination, retroillumination, indirect illumination, sclerotic scatter illumination, and any combination thereof. The binoculars 18 include a binocular scope and the two ocular elements for collectively forming images of the eye propagating along corresponding eye imaging paths, with each ocular elements forming a corresponding image during the imaging process.

[0039] Now referring to Figs. 2A-2C, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 100. As depicted, the apparatus 100 includes a frame 102 for supporting the components of the apparatus 100, an entrance aperture 104 for receiving light from the light source assembly 16, and a reflective system 106 for guiding light to a pair of cameras 108a,b. The apparatus 100 further includes a pair of display devices 110a,b attached to a respective face 112a,b of the frame 102. As depicted, in this embodiment, the face 112a facing the patient receiving area, and thus the patient, and the other face 112b facing the practitioner. In some embodiments, the display devices 110a,b are mounted to respective opposite faces of the frame 102. However, in some other embodiments, the display devices 110a, b and be mounted to any two face of the frame 102, with preferably at least one of the faces 110a, b facing the patient receiving area. The apparatus 100 may also include mating portions 114a,b; with one mating portion 114a for mating with the light source assembly 16 and another mating portion 114b for mating with the binoculars 18.

[0040] During examination, the light emitted from the light source assembly 16 is projected towards the eye of the patient and is thereafter reflected into two separate paths, namely the first and second image paths, collected back by binoculars 18. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that two different views, taken simultaneously or concurrently, of a single feature is needed to produce a stereoscopic view of said feature. Indeed, stereoscopy is atechnique used to enable a three-dimensional effect, adding an illusion of depth to a flat image. Stereopsis, commonly known as depth perception, is the visual perception of different distances among objects in one's line of sight. Adding this depth perception to an image of a feature provides with additional information to the eye care professional(s) for assessing a proper diagnostic on the feature in question.

[0041] The entrance aperture 104 is configured to guide light, including the first and second image paths, from the patient receiving area 12 to the reflective system 106. The entrance aperture 104 generally has a circular shape. The mating portion 114a may be formed around the entrance aperture 104 in the form of ribs extending outwardly from the face 112a configured to mate with mating ribs formed on the light source assembly 16. Once light has entered the apparatus 100 through the entrance aperture 104, the first and second image paths are guided towards the pair of cameras 108a,b via the reflective system 106.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 2A, the reflective system 106 includes a beam splitter 120 for at least partially reflecting light from the entrance aperture 104 to a pupil 122 that defines a beam cross-section for limiting incoming light. The beam splitter 120 may be subdivided into two spatially spaced beam splitters, each configured for reflected one of the first and second image paths. In some embodiments, and as best seen in Fig. 2C, light is able to propagate through the beam splitter 120 and to exit the apparatus 100 via an exit aperture 105 connected to the binoculars 18. The exit aperture 105 is generally aligned with the entrance aperture 104, but may be placed elsewhere in other embodiments. As shown in this specific embodiment, the beam splitter 120 divides first and second image paths into a first path that is directed away from the entrance aperture 104 and a second path that is directed towards the exit aperture 105. After propagation through the pupil 122, the light is subdivided into two perpendicular outbound beams by a prism reflector 124. In some embodiments, the prism reflector 124 has a triangular configuration splitting light along two different directions. The prism reflector 124 defines two reflective portions 126a, b which guide the beam towards the cameras 108a, b, respectively. In some embodiments, the reflective system 106 can include guiding portions 128a, b for guiding the light reflected by the reflective portions 126a, b to the respective camera 108a, b. This is the case, for instance, when the cameras 108a, b are not in the same optical plane as the one of the light reflected by the prism reflector 124.

[0043] As best seen in Fig. 2B, the face 112a that faces the patient receiving area 12 has a mounting element for attaching a display device 110a thereon. The mounting element may be, for instance, a releasably-attachable clamp that holds the display element 110a during examination. The display element 110a may be positioned vertically (portrait mode) or horizontally (landscape mode).

[0044] In some embodiments, the display element 110a is not necessarily mounted to the apparatus 100, but is still oriented towards the patient receiving area during examination. The display elements 110a,b may be a screen device, a projector or the like. In some embodiments, the display elements 110a, b are made integral to the camera in a single mobile device such as a smart phone or an electronic tablet. The display element 110a facing the patient is able to receive a live video feed of an eye care professional via wired or wireless communication means. For instance, in some embodiments, an eye care professional may hold a virtual meeting with the patient as she / he stands at the patient receiving area, while the eye care professional may be in another office or at a remote location.

[0045] Now referring to Fig. 2C, the display element 110b is mounted on the face 112b that faces the eye care professional in a similar fashion as the display element 110a on face 112a. Instead of displaying a live video feed like the display element 110a on face 112a, the display element 110b on face 110b is configured for displaying the stereoscopic images of the eye to the eye care professional. In some embodiments, the display appears in real time or quasi- real time depending on the computational capabilities of the control ler(s).

[0046] In some embodiments, the frame 102 consists of a skeleton-like structure (not depicted), in which the components of the apparatus 100 are attached thereto. The skeletonlike structure may thus be defined by a plurality of rods attached or welded together. In the embodiment presented in Figs. 2A-2C, the frame 102 include a casing which defines a cavity and thereby prevents contaminants, such as dust and droplets, to enter the cavity and contaminate the reflective system 106 and / or the cameras 108a,b.

[0047] In some embodiments, the frame 102 is configured for receiving the mobile devices on each side thereof using lids 115a, b. As depicted, the lids 115a, b can be removed from the frame 102 by unscrewing screws located proximate each corner portions thereof. With the lids115a, b removed, the mobile devices can be positioned against the frame 102 at appropriate locations, i.e., with their cameras facing the respective image paths, before the lids 115a, b are put back on, and secured to the frame 102 using the screws. The size and shape of the lids 115a,b can vary depending on which type, brand or model of electronic device used. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 further includes a microphone and a camera facing the patient so that the latter is allowed to have a conversion with the eye care professional.

[0048] Now referring to Fig. 3, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the reflective system 106. The reflective system 106 includes two beam splitters 120a,b, two reflective portions 126a,b, two guiding portions 128a,b and two cameras 108a,b mounted on a respective mobile device. The inbound light is divided along the first and second image paths 130a,b and enters the entrance aperture 104.

[0049] The two guiding portions 128a,b each includes components for guiding the first and second image paths 130a, b towards the cameras 108a, b. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, the guiding portions 128a, b include first lenses 132a,b that can receive light from the first and second image paths 130a, b. A focalised beam is thus shined onto first prisms 134a, b. The first prisms 134a, b can reflect the focalised beam in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the beam focalized by the first lenses 132a, b towards second prisms 136a, b. The light is then reflected by the second prisms 136a, b towards third prisms 138a, b, in a direction orthogonal to the direction of light received by the second prisms 136a,b. Finally, the light of each image paths 130a, b is reflected in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the incoming light by the third prisms 138a, b towards second lenses 140a, b which can focalize the light in a respective camera 108a,b. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that this particular configuration of a reflective system 106 enables to direct the first and second image paths to a specific spatial location with a desired orientation. This location and orientation may be adjusted by varying the position and orientation of the components of the reflective system. In the depicted case, the cameras 108a,b are mounted on a respective mobile device 142a,b having a respective display element 110a,b mounted thereon. Considering that the position of the camera 108a,b is generally the same for each product of the same model (in this case the top left corner of the rear surface), it is not possible to align the center of both cameras 108a, b when the mobile devices 142a, b are facing away from each other. Therefore, the reflectivesystem 106 is configured for coarse and / or fine tune the direction of the first and second image paths with respect to their respective cameras 108a,b.

[0050] As depicted, it can be preferable to use a filter 141 positioned across the first and second image paths 130a,b. In some embodiments, the filter 141 can be provided in the form of a yellow filter to enhance fluorescein corneal staining, to name only one example. In these embodiments, the illumination beam can include a blue component which can excite a diagnostic contrast agent such as the fluorescein. In some other embodiments, the filter 141 can be adapted to let pass or block any suitable wavelength band which can be dictated by the type of diagnostic contrast agent used. As such, the type of filter 141 can vary from one embodiment to another.

[0051] Now referring to Fig. 4, there is shown another embodiment of an apparatus 200 for use with a slit lamp and for capturing stereoscopic images. The apparatus has a frame 202 that defines an entrance aperture 204 around which extends outwardly a mating portion 214a for mating with a light source assembly 16. The frame 202 has one face 212a that faces towards the patient and one face 212b that faces towards the eye care professional. The apparatus 200 includes two cameras 208a, b mounted thereto via mounting elements defined on the faces 212a,b. As shown in this example, the mounting elements are mounted to respective opposite faces 212a,b. However, in some other embodiments, the mounting elements can be mounted to any two faces of the frame 202, depending on the embodiment. The mounting elements are sized and shaped for receiving the respective camera 208a, b, and may be provided in the form of a clamp that releasably attaches to the camera 208a, b. The cameras 208a, b may also be attached to the frame 202 by welding or any other suited means.

[0052] In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 4, the cameras 208a, b are facing each other in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the light entering the entrance aperture 204. As such a reflective system (not depicted) may be installed in the frame to direct first and second image paths towards a respective camera 208a, b. In one embodiment, the reflective system of the apparatus 200 includes a prism reflector for directing the first and second image paths towards their respective camera 208a, b.

[0053] A processing device 250 is communicatively coupled to the cameras 208a, b, to display devices 210a, b and to a server 260 (i.e., remotely or locally located accessible computer-readable memory). The processing device 250 is configured for providing a live video stream to a patient receiving area, which will be detailed further below. The display device 210a is oriented towards the patient and the display device 210b is oriented towards the eye care professional. In this case, the display devices 210a, b are not required to be attached to the frame, as the cameras 208a, b are components distinct from the display devices 210a, b. Referring to Fig. 5, the computing device 300 can have a processor 302, a memory 304, and I / O interface 306. Instructions 308 for generating spectroscopic images and for displaying a live video feed to a patient receiving area can be stored on the memory 304 and accessible by the processor 302.

[0054] The processor 302 can be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a reconfigurable processor, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), or any combination thereof.

[0055] The memory 304 can include a suitable combination of any type of computer- readable memory that is located either internally or externally such as, for example, randomaccess memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), and electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) or the like.

[0056] Each I / O interface 306 enables the computing device 300 to interconnect with one or more input devices, such as an input source such as a foot pedal or a finger button, or with one or more output devices such as a monitor, an external memory and / or a remote network.

[0057] Each I / O interface 306 enables the processing device 250 to communicate with other components, to exchange data with other components, to access and connect to network resources, to server applications, and perform other computing applications by connecting to a network (or multiple networks) capable of carrying data including the Internet, Ethernet, plain old telephone service (POTS) line, public switch telephone network (PSTN), integratedservices digital network (ISDN), digital subscriber line (DSL), coaxial cable, fiber optics, satellite, mobile, wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMAX), SS7 signaling network, fixed line, local area network, wide area network, and others, including any combination of these.

[0058] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for method 400 for providing a live video stream to a patient receiving area. The method 400 may be performed by the processing device 250 of Fig. 4 or by any suited processing device. The method 400 starts at step 402. At step 404 first and second images are simultaneously captured using cameras. The first and second images show the patient receiving area from two different viewpoints. The viewpoints may be images of an eye captured from two different incoming orientations. It will be appreciated that the simultaneity of the capturing the first and the second images is generally needed in order to obtain the stereoscopic image. Indeed, as the eye has a tendency of constantly moving, the stereoscopic image obtained using viewpoints captured at two different moments is unlikely to be representative of the eye.

[0059] At step 406, a stereoscopic image is generated based on the first and second images. The processing device generating the stereoscopic image may do so using any suited software. In some embodiments, machine-learning software or other artificial intelligence software may be used to generate the stereographic image in real time or quasi-real time.

[0060] At step 408, the stereoscopic image is transmitted to a server. The server is communicatively coupled to the processing device performing the method 400 and to a processing device accessible to an eye care professional. The eye care professional may thereafter analyze the stereoscopic image and produce a diagnostic based on the analysis. It will be appreciated that the analysis may be performed remotely, i.e., at a geographical position different than the position of the patient.

[0061] At step 410, a first live video feed is received in response to transmitting the stereoscopic image. The first live video fee may comprise and image of the eye care professional and a voice recording thereof in which the practitioner explains the diagnostic to the patient.

[0062] At step 412, the first live video feed is displayed towards the patient receiving area. To do so, the processing device transmits the first live video feed to the display element. During this step, the patient is able to receive a virtual diagnostic from the eye care professional.

[0063] In some embodiments, the method may comprise steps 414 and 416 that are performed in concert with steps 410 and 412. At step 414, a second live video stream is received. The second live video stream may include an image of the patient and a voice recording thereof, which can be obtained from a microphone and a camera facing the patient. At step 416, the second live video stream is transmitted to the server, which is thereafter transmitted to the processing device of the eye care professional. It will be appreciated that steps 414 and 416, when performed with steps 410 and 412, enable the patient and the eye care professional to have a virtual conversation together. The method 400 ends at step 418.

[0064] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a user interface with which the image capture can be triggered. The user interface can be made accessible to the eye care professional which is located at a remote location or by a technician who guides the patient during the eye test. The user interface can be a physical actuator such as a push button or a pedal, depending on the embodiment. The user interface can alternately be provided in the form of a software actuator (e.g., a graphical user interface (GUI) button such as a touch button) made accessible to the eye care professional and / or to the technician. In these embodiments, a live video feed of the eye of the patient can be recorded using the camera(s) and transmitted to the eye care professional or to the technician, who can trigger the image capture via the user interface made accessible to him / her. In these embodiments, the live video feed of the eye of the patient can be recorded by a first one of the two cameras, by a second one of the two cameras, or by both cameras, depending on which one of the cameras is activated by the eye care professional or technician. In some embodiments, a display element displays the live video feed of the eye of the patient to the eye care professional or to the technician. In these embodiments, the eye care professional can select an area of the live video feed and trigger an image capture of the selected area or of the whole eye. The display element can be made integral to a touch screen with which the eye care professional or technician can select an area of the eye of the patient displayed on the display element. Insome embodiments, the eye care professional can annotate the live video feed or the captured images with a label indicating which areas are healthy or unhealthy, for instance.

[0065] As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only. For instance, the controller can be part of any one or both of the mobile devices or cameras. The mounting elements can have respective planes that are either perpendicular or parallel to the light incoming from the patient facing area. The planes of the mounting elements can each have a first normal pointing in a direction of the incoming light. As such, when the cameras are conveniently mounted into their respective mounting elements, the cameras can receive the light from the patient facing area. Depending on the embodiment, any suitable type of camera can be used. For instance, the types of camera can include, but not limited to, reflex cameras, smart phone cameras, plenoptic cameras, stereoscopic cameras, visible light cameras, infrared light cameras, and the like. In some embodiments, the display element can be omitted. For example, there is disclosed an apparatus for use with a slit lamp, the slit lamp having a patient receiving area, and first and second image paths extending from the patient receiving area, the apparatus comprising: a frame mountable to the slit lamp, the frame defining an entrance aperture receiving the first and second image paths; a reflective system mounted to the frame and at least partially reflecting the first and second image paths away from the entrance aperture; a pair of mounting elements mounted to respective faces of the frame, the mounting elements sized and shaped for receiving a respective camera; and a pair of cameras mounted to respective ones of the mounting elements, the cameras receiving a respective one of the first and second image paths via the reflective system. For instance, in some other embodiments, the orientation and / or position of the cameras can differ from those described with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The camera(s) can be used in a visible light mode, in an infrared light mode, or a combination thereof based on the application. For instance, in some embodiments, a visible light filter and / or an infrared light filter can be movably positioned across the image paths within the casing of the apparatus. More specifically, to operate the apparatus in the visible light mode, the visible light filter can be positioned across the image paths within the casing of the apparatus. The visible light filter can block any wavelength of light that is outside the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Additionally or alternately, to operate the apparatus in the infrared light mode, the infrared light filter can be positioned across the image pathswithin the casing of the apparatus. The infrared light filter can block any wavelength of light that is outside the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, i.e., including the visible wavelengths. As such, the visible light filter and / or the infrared light filter can be moved into the image paths or out of the image paths to block corresponding portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, as desired. The scope is indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for use with a slit lamp, the slit lamp having a patient receiving area, and first and second image paths extending from the patient receiving area, the apparatus comprising: a frame mountable to the slit lamp, the frame defining an entrance aperture receiving the first and second image paths; a reflective system mounted to the frame and at least partially reflecting the first and second image paths away from the entrance aperture; a pair of mounting elements mounted to respective faces of the frame, the mounting elements sized and shaped for receiving a respective camera; a pair of cameras mounted to respective ones of the mounting elements, the cameras receiving a respective one of the first and second image paths via the reflective system; and a display element facing the patient receiving area and configured for displaying a live video feed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the display element and one of the cameras are made integral to an electronic device mounted to a corresponding one of the mounting elements.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein the frame is removably mountable to the slit lamp.

4. The apparatus of any of one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the display element is mounted to the frame.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the frame is provided in a form of a casing enclosing at least the reflective system.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the frame defines an exit aperture aligned with the entrance aperture, wherein the frame has a mating portion about the exit aperture, the mating portion mating with a binocular imaging assembly.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the reflective system has a beam splitter dividing the first and second image paths into a first path that is directed away from the entrance aperture and a second path that is directed towards the exit aperture.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the reflective system has a prism reflector configured for directing the first and second image paths towards respective ones of the cameras.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising an additional display element facing away from the patient receiving area and configured for displaying a stereoscopic image.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprising a controller configured for: simultaneously capturing first and second images using the cameras, the first and second images showing the patient receiving area from two different viewpoints; generating a stereoscopic image based on the first and second images; transmitting the stereoscopic image; in response to transmitting the stereoscopic image, receiving a live video feed; and displaying the live video feed towards the patient receiving area via the display element.11 . The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the controller is further configured for: receiving a second live video feed of a patient receiving area; andtransmitting the second live video feed.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the display element is part of a mobile device.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 further comprising a microphone and a camera facing the patient receiving area.

14. A method of providing a live video stream to a patient receiving area, comprising: simultaneously capturing first and second images using cameras, the first and second images showing the patient receiving area from two different viewpoints; generating a stereoscopic image based on the first and second images; transmitting the stereoscopic image; in response to transmitting the stereoscopic image, receiving a first live video feed; and displaying the first live video feed towards the patient receiving area via a display element facing the patient receiving area.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising: receiving a second live video feed of a patient receiving area; and transmitting the second live video feed.

16. An apparatus for use with a slit lamp, the slit lamp having a patient receiving area, and first and second image paths extending from the patient receiving area, the apparatus comprising: a frame mountable to the slit lamp, the frame defining an entrance aperture receiving the first and second image paths;a reflective system mounted to the frame and at least partially reflecting the first and second image paths away from the entrance aperture; and two mounting elements mounted to respective faces of the frame, the two mounting elements sized and shaped for receiving a respective camera; wherein at least one of the two mounting element is facing the patient receiving area and is sized and shaped for receiving a display element.

17. An apparatus for use with a slit lamp having a patient receiving area, the apparatus comprising: a frame mountable to the slit lamp, the frame defining an entrance aperture receiving light from the patient receiving area; a reflective system mounted to the frame and at least partially reflecting the received light away from the entrance aperture; a mounting element mounted to the frame, the mounting element sized and shaped for receiving a camera; a camera mounted to the mounting element, the camera receiving the light from the patient receiving area via the reflective system; and a display element facing the patient receiving area and configured for displaying a live video feed.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the camera is a three-dimensional camera.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the three-dimensional camera is selected from a group of camera types consisting of: a plenoptic camera and a stereoscopic camera.

Images