Enhanced Apparatus and Method for Automated Non-Contact Eye Examination

An advanced system for automated non-contact eye examination, featuring enhanced disinfection, real-time tracking, and improved diagnosis capabilities, addressing the limitations of existing eye examination methods.

The original patent disclosed an apparatus and method for automated non-contact eye examination, but it had limitations in terms of disinfection, accuracy, and diagnosis capabilities. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a housing designed for easy disinfection, a Lidar device for real-time eye tracking, and a machine learning-based algorithm for improved diagnosis.

The enhanced apparatus comprises a housing with an aperture for providing light to and from one or both eyes of a patient, designed for easy disinfection and conforming to 3A sanitary standards. The system features a computer system configured to analyze optical measurements of the eye and provide a diagnosis within 5 minutes. The method utilizes a Lidar device to track the eye movement and adjust the optical system in real-time, ensuring accurate optical measurements. Additionally, the apparatus can be portable, powered by a rechargeable battery, and perform an eye examination in a remote location. The system also incorporates a machine learning-based algorithm to analyze the optical measurements and detect potential eye diseases, such as cataracts or glaucoma.

The new inventive concept introduces several novel features, including the easy-to-disinfect housing, real-time eye tracking using a Lidar device, and a machine learning-based algorithm for improved diagnosis. These features provide a significant improvement over the original patent, offering enhanced accuracy, speed, and disease detection capabilities.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different types of sensors, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound, to enhance the accuracy of the optical measurements. Additionally, the system could be integrated with electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate seamless data transfer and improve patient care.

The enhanced apparatus and method for automated non-contact eye examination have significant commercial potential in the healthcare industry, particularly in the areas of optometry, ophthalmology, and telemedicine. The system's portability and ease of use make it ideal for remote or rural locations, where access to eye care services may be limited.