Key Takeaways
- VEO Ophthalmics will serve as the exclusive commercialization partner for VitaPixel SVS, while VitaPixel focuses on manufacturing and future R&D
- VitaPixel SVS adds stereoscopic 3D digital visualization, image and video capture, and documentation capabilities to existing slit-lamp systems
- The system is designed to support clinical examinations as well as patient education, teaching, training, and digital documentation
VEO Ophthalmics announced a partnership with VitaPixel under which VEO will serve as the exclusive commercialization partner for VitaPixel SVS, a stereoscopic digital visualization system designed to expand the traditional slit-lamp examination experience.
Manufactured by VitaPixel, the VitaPixel SVS combines digital imaging with stereoscopic 3D visualization, allowing eye care professionals to visualize, capture, document, and share clinical findings, according to VEO. Under the agreement, VEO Ophthalmics will lead commercialization of the technology for the eye care market.
“We are excited to partner with VitaPixel to bring VitaPixel SVS to the ophthalmic community,” Ron Gilliland, president and CEO of VEO Ophthalmics, said in a news release. “This technology represents an exciting evolution of the slit-lamp experience. By combining the familiarity of existing slit-lamp optics with digital 3D visualization and instant capture, VitaPixel SVS gives clinicians new flexibility in how they examine, document, educate, and share.”
VitaPixel SVS is designed to integrate with existing slit-lamp systems rather than replace them. According to the companies, clinicians can switch between conventional ocular viewing and digital visualization by flipping the system's camera assembly.
The device uses high-sensitivity imaging sensors to capture the view through the slit lamp's existing optics and magnifications. Stereoscopic images are presented through OLED micro-display glasses, allowing clinicians to view the examination in 3D without keeping their head positioned at the slit-lamp oculars.
The companies said the configuration may provide greater flexibility in clinician and patient positioning. VitaPixel also said the system's cameras can operate with less illumination than traditional analog viewing through slit-lamp oculars, potentially reducing patient exposure to bright examination light.
A touchscreen terminal provides 2D viewing and image capture, while the display glasses provide stereoscopic visualization. Capture, zoom, and image review can be controlled through the touchscreen or a joystick-mounted button attached to the slit lamp.
Beyond visualization during examinations, VitaPixel SVS is designed to support patient education, clinical documentation, and professional training. Live and recorded images can be used to show patients ocular findings and facilitate discussions about treatment. For teaching and training, the combination of 3D visualization and image and video capture can support case-based learning, skills assessment, mentoring, and collaborative review.
The system also enables clinicians to capture, review, annotate, and export images and video. According to VitaPixel, its documentation capabilities include DICOM compliance, PACS integration, automatic local session saving, and USB export.
“We’re excited to bring the slit lamp exam into the 21st century, improving the experience for patients and caregivers alike,” Tom Meyer, co-founder and COO of VitaPixel, said in the release. “With an experienced ophthalmic commercialization partner like VEO, it allows us to maintain laser focus on manufacturing and future R&D.”
Under the partnership, VitaPixel will continue to focus on manufacturing and research and development, while VEO Ophthalmics will oversee commercialization of VitaPixel SVS within the ophthalmic market.
