Design of an ophthalmic device for elderly

• Main Author: Song, Xue Ting
• Other Authors: Chen Chun-Hsien
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2020
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/141232
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Tele-ophthalmology is an emerging field within tele-medicine which delivers eye care through digital medical devices and telecommunications platforms. The rise of smartphone apps has significantly enabled tele-medicine practices to replace pre-appointment checks and in-clinic follow-ups. Coupled with recent medical advancements and the rapid development of ophthalmic devices, tele-ophthalmology can be realized with focused efforts on designing for accessibility. Increasing research efforts have been made to build portable and low-cost ophthalmic devices to enhance the accessibility of eye care in less-developed countries. As urban populations age and more elderly stay at home alone, there is an increasing need to adapt current ophthalmic devices for elderly in-home use as well. The aim of this Final Year Project is to propose a design of an ophthalmic device for the elderly, based on existing imaging and illumination systems. The principles of Familiarity Design and the Analytical Hierarchy Process were employed to compare the elderly’s preferences among pre-identified products that they are most familiar with. An adapted form factor with familiar style of interactions was then designed based on establishing its function analysis, morphological chart and anthropometric considerations. The function of tele-ophthalmology will be fulfilled by leveraging the camera and wireless connection capabilities of a smartphone.