Evaluating a tablet-based perimetric screening device

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Eyecatcher Lite: An eye tracking platform for detecting and monitoring age–related eye disease

  • IRAS ID

    230440

  • Contact name

    David Crabb

  • Contact email

    David.Crabb.1@city.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    City, University of London

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 3 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    This study aims to evaluate a rapid, inexpensive, and portable tablet-perimeter (“Eyecatcher Lite”): a device designed to detect blind-spots in the visual field.

    We have previously proven that such a device, and now want to test the method in larger groups of people, in different eye disease, and under non-laboratory conditions.

    The equipment consists primarily of a tablet computer and a ‘clip-on’ eye tracker. The screen is used to present brief spots of light (as in a standard visual field tests). The eye-tracker is used to position the stimuli relative to the current point of fixation, and to measure whether the patient responded to the light.

    The patient’s task is simply to look at any spots of light that they see. The seen and unseen location are then used to construct a ‘map’ of any blindspots in the visual field. Unlike current similar tests, the patient is not required maintain fixated on a central target, and a chin/forehead rest is not required, since the eye-tracker can be used to compensate for any eye or head movements.

    The study will involve patients with a range of known/suspected visual impairments, who will be tested in clinics while waiting for pre-existing appointments. Patients will complete the test monocularly four times (twice in each eye), with each test lasting approximately 2--3 minutes.
    The results of the test will be compared to those from standard visual field assessments (which all patients complete as part of routine assessments). These data will allow us to assess the accuracy and test-retest reliability of the new device. Patients will also be invited to provide feedback on the relative comfort and ease of the test.

    The study is funded by a peer reviewed Fight for Sight in a grant (#2016-1854-crabb), held by Prof David Crabb at the City, University of London.

  • REC name

    London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/LO/2044

  • Date of REC Opinion

    24 Nov 2017

  • REC opinion

    Unfavourable Opinion