Exploring the Role of Portable Ophthalmic Devices in Clinical and Nonclinical Settings: Qualitative Study of Ophthalmologists and Optometrists

Background

Access to eye care is a persistent challenge due to the high global burden of visual impairment and barriers to receiving eye care, such as transportation and cost. Conventional ophthalmic equipment is immobile and unsuitable for bedside or community use, and this limits timely diagnosis and care delivery. Portable ophthalmic devices, such as handheld slit-lamps and fundus cameras, offer the potential to extend diagnostic capabilities to nonclinical settings and improve accessibility of eye care.