Grafton Optical brought the latest in optical technology to 100% Optical 2025, including innovations in visual fields evaluation and widefield imaging.
The second-generation, family-run company has a focus on diagnostic optical equipment.
A one-box ultra widefield solution
Amongst the products on showcase was the RetiCam 3100 Plus Ultra Widefield Retinal Camera by Syseye.
David Thickens, CEO of Grafton Optical, described the device as a “one-box solution for ultra widefield retinal imaging.”
The technology is based on traditional white light photography and uses artificial intelligence (AI) as well as automated functions to capture images.
Integrated AI technology provides an indication of pathology to the practitioner, Thickens said: “Not to make the clinical determination but to give a good starting point for further diagnosis.”
Providing a demonstration of the device, Thickens explained that practitioners can perform a progression analysis, see comparisons between visits, and use manual editing tools to take measurements and make annotations. Clinical notes can be added to the patient database file.
“We see the RetiCam 3100 Plus in a pre-screening area where any member of staff can capture the images,” he said.
Innovating visual fields assessment
Grafton Optical also displayed the FieldNavigator Eye Tracking Perimeter by Rexxam.
With the device, patients are not required to use a response button. Thickens explained: “The only instruction you need to give the patient with this headset is – you see a light, you look at it. The machine does the rest.”
The lightweight headset features eye tracking technology at 250 frames per second. A screening test can be completed in approximately one and a half minutes per eye.
When a patient looks at a point of light, the technology registers that the point has been seen.
"With traditional visual fields, you can get a lot of false positives and negatives that can mean you have to retest that patient,” Thickens said, suggesting this device could reduce the need for retesting by removing the element of indecision in the patient.
Once a patient is wearing the headset, the operator can view three screens to check the eye tracking is working and the patient is positioned correctly, to show the points that have been measured or need retesting, and to see a report map as the test progresses.
A report page is then generated, which is similar to those of traditional visual fields devices.
Illustrating the applications and impact of the technology, Thickens told OT: “At one of our first demonstrations within the UK there was a patient with Parkinson’s disease. He had never had a visual fields test because he didn’t have the capability to click the button in time. With this device we did his very first visual fields assessment.”
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