Haag-Streit has launched its latest ophthalmic device: the Eyesi Indirect Ophthalmoscope Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Simulator.
First, a company refresh.
Haag-Streit Group is headquartered in Koeniz, Switzerland and operates as an international Swiss medical device company.
Its focus: developing and manufacturing medical technology products for ophthalmology, pneumology, microsurgery, and optics.
Zeroing in on ophthalmology …
In the ophthalmic space, the company has eight group companies across the globe, including Haag-Streit USA located in Mason, Ohio.
The U.S.-based group manufactures and distributes medical equipment for eyecare professionals (ECPs), including Reliance Medical Products (which it also services)—an exam and procedure furniture brand.
Its other medical device products include:
- Octopus perimeters
- Surgical microscopes
- Reliance medical products
- Slit lamps and imaging
- LENSTAR biometers
- EyeSuite software
Now this device.
The Eyesi Indirect ROP is designed as a mixed-reality simulator with the specific purpose of creating an immersive training environment for performing retinal exams on preterm infants and ROP classification.
It includes training on proper device handling and simulator curriculum for teaching diagnostic ROP classification skills.
What does the simulator include?
It comes with a head-mounted stereo display (an ophthalmoscope), a patient model head with pliable eyes, and lens / scleral depressor mimics, according to Haag-Streit.
How does it work, exactly?
To begin, a clinician “is presented with an immersive 3D simulation of the patient.”
From there, the indirect ophthalmoscope mimic, handheld lens, and the patient’s eyes should be aligned (precisely) to visualize the retina.
Note: The model patient’s eyes “can be indented and tilted into different directions using the scleral depressor to add to an immersive, close-to-life environment,” per Haag-Streit.
This manipulation is then simulated in real-time.
How about the curriculum component?
This standardized component features virtual patients at different stages of retinopathy—aggressive ROP and retinal detachment included—to provide training on a broad range of pathologies.
And what does it teach?
Per Haag-Streit: the main characteristics of ROP plus how to recognize various zones and stages based on the International Classification of Acute Stages of (ROP), which created a “standard nomenclature” for classifying ROP.
Also: Users can familiarize themselves with their respective country’s screening intervals and ROP treatment guidelines via online courses (for self-guided learning).
What else is offered to users?
Both trainees and educators are provided with evaluated parameters such as:
- Light exposure
- Appropriate use of indentation
- Examination time
- Completeness of retinal area examined
The goal: to combine standardized curriculum with computer-based evaluation that provides a training system for trainees to achieve standard performance level.
Target users: ophthalmic residencies and neonatology programs.
Can educators monitor trainees’ progress?
Yes! The company offers VRmNet, a web service for Haag-Streit’s networked simulators that allows educators to set up users and classes.
Throughout trainees’ simulator and curriculum training, the educators are able to monitor their progress online. Click here to learn more.
So when will this ROP simulator be available?
April 2, 2024