Turkish high schooler invents device for remote eye examination

ISTANBUL

Afraid of contracting the coronavirus, we have all shun hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. But, an invention by a Turkish high school student, which offers remote eye examination for patients, is like a blessing during these times.

For an out-of-hospital examination, the patented device connects patients and doctors virtually via a telemedicine system.

Cinay Dilibal introduced her invention at the Istanbul International Inventions Fair (ISIF) during Teknofest, Turkey’s largest technology event.

The ISIF also awarded the invention with a silver medal.

The device uses cloud systems and internet of medical things (IoMT) technology, Dilibal told Anadolu Agency.

Dilibal, who runs a biomedical platform named Esantem, said the device has been developing since 2018.

It can be used for diagnosing the front surface eye diseases, which make up 70% of all eye diseases, she explained.

The device can perform all diagnosis process that can be made in a hospital, Dilibal asserted.

She said: "It is in the prototype phase, the first successful test was conducted in a hospital, we also held meetings with all ophthalmologists of the hospital."

Portable solution

With the demand for virtual systems increasing during the pandemic, Dilibal said medical devices should also contribute to this cycle.

Many devices using eye fields are heavy but the remote device offers a portable solution, she stressed.

The device, equipped with a micro camera that can see the front surface of the eye and even retina, is produced by using additive manufacturing technology, she said.

Dilibal aims to develop the device to use it in diagnosing the eye’s retina level and other medical specialties, especially in dermatology and otolaryngology.

She said: "We are close to agreement with incubation centers, we think it will be commercialized in a short period."

Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank also tested the device when he was visiting the ISIF.

Teknofest is hosting this year's ISIF, which includes 254 inventions, 72 of which are from 20 foreign countries.

The six-day Teknofest at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, which began earlier on Tuesday, will wrap up on Sunday.