WO2024231889A1

WO2024231889A1 - A hand-held modular ophthalmic device

Info

Publication number: WO2024231889A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/054560
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karthikesh ANCHE; Rathinam THYAGARAJAN; Nabeel QUADRI; Harshavardhan MEVA
Original assignee: Hyderabad Eye Institute
Current assignee: Hyderabad Eye Institute
Priority date: 2023-05-10
Filing date: 2024-05-10
Publication date: 2024-11-14
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-10

Abstract

Embodiment of the disclosure discloses, a hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100). The device includes a handle (101) and a head portion (102) extending from the handle (101). Further, a holder (103) is removably coupled to the head portion (102). The holder (103) includes a circular bracket (120) having a first surface (120a) and a second surface (120b) opposite to the first surface (120a). Further, the holder (103) includes at least one connecting member (126) which is defined on the first surface (120a). The at least one connecting member (126) is structured to support one of a plurality of modules (109, 114) on the first surface (120a)The configuration of the device makes is simple, lesser in weight and modular as different modules can be selectively employed based on the type of eye examination to be made.

Description

A HAND-HELD MODULAR OPHTHALMIC DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates to a field of medical devices. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic device. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a hand-held modular ophthalmic device.

BACKGROUND

Generally, ophthalmoscopy includes several steps and processes to allow a clinician to check in eyeground and other structures using ophthalmic devices. It is a part of an eye examination for determining retina and other parts of the eye. Ophthalmic devices such as a slit lamp, a corneal topographer, etc are generally used for eye examination. However, such ophthalmic devices are heavy and bulky, thereby making it not ideal for home eyecare visits, small setup clinics, private practitioner and the like. Further, portability and practicality of such ophthalmic devices is an issue. In addition, the manufacturing time, cost and maintenance cost is high for such ophthalmic devices, which is undesired.

Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the known arts.

The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purpose and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

SUMMARY

The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a hand-held modular ophthalmic device and additional advantages are provided through the features as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a hand-held modular ophthalmic device is disclosed. The device includes a handle and a head portion which extends from the handle. Further, the device includes a holder which is removably coupled to the head portion. The holder includes a circular bracket having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. Furthermore, the holder includes at least one connecting member which is defined on the first surface. The at least one connecting member is structured to support one of a plurality of modules on the first surface. The configuration of the hand-held modular ophthalmic device makes is simple, lesser in weight and modular as different modules can be selectively employed based on the type of eye examination to be made.

In an embodiment, the circular bracket is defined with a protrusion extending from the second surface. The protrusion is adapted to couple the circular bracket with the head portion.

In an embodiment, the hand-held modular ophthalmic device includes a plate extending from the side portion of the circular bracket. The plate is adapted to support the processing unit.

In an embodiment, the hand-held modular ophthalmic device includes a support member which extends from a bottom portion of the handle. The support member is adapted to support one of a plurality of modules.

In an embodiment, the hand-held modular ophthalmic device includes a housing which is coupled to and supported on the support member. The housing is adapted to accommodate a power source and other electrical components.

In an embodiment, the head portion is defined with one or more provisions to house at least one controller.

In an embodiment, the circular bracket is defined with a plurality of cavities. The plurality of cavities includes a primary cavity and a plurality of secondary cavities defined around the primary cavity. The primary cavity is configured to provide passageway for the image capturing unit of the processing unit, and the plurality of secondary cavities are configured to house at least one of a light source, magnets and power contact pins. The magnets accommodated in the plurality of cavities of the circular bracket facilitate removable coupling of the plurality of modules.

In an embodiment, the hand-held modular ophthalmic device includes a slit lamp module removably coupled to the holder. The slit lamp module includes a base and a guide bracket extending from the base. The guide bracket is defined with a slot to accommodate and guide a light source.

In an embodiment, the slit lamp module includes a head rest. The head rest includes an arm which extends away from a top portion of the base and an engaging member which is adapted to contact forehead of a user.

In an embodiment, the base of the slit lamp module includes a plurality of magnets which are adapted to couple the base with the support member.

In an embodiment, the hand-held modular ophthalmic device includes a tonometer module which is removably coupled to the holder. The tonometer module includes an elongated body which is defined with a bracket. The bracket is configured to support a light source.

In an embodiment, the tonometer module includes a head rest. The head rest includes an arm which extends away from the elongated body. Further, the tonometer module includes an engaging member adapted to contact forehead of a user.

In an embodiment, the elongated body of the tonometer module includes a plurality of magnets adapted to couple the elongated body with the support member.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a hand-held modular ophthalmic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a hand-held modular ophthalmic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the hand-held modular ophthalmic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a slit lamp module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a tonometer module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the slit lamp module coupled to the hand-held modular ophthalmic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the tonometer module coupled to the hand-held modular ophthalmic device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a hand-held modular ophthalmic device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the hand-held modular ophthalmic device of Fig. 8.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other method for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an mechanism, assembly, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or mechanism or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a device or apparatus or method proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device or apparatus or method.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1-9.

Figs. 1-3 illustrates a perspective view of a hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) [hereinafter referred as ophthalmic device (100)]. The ophthalmic device (100) of the present disclosure may be a handheld device which may aid in selectively accommodating various modules such as but not limiting to a slit lamp module, a tonometer module, corneal topographic module, a fundus imaging module, RAPD module and similar modules which may be adapted for eye examination. The ophthalmic device (100) may include a handle (101), which may support various components of the ophthalmic device (100). In an embodiment, the handle (101) may be configured to provide sufficient handling and gripping ergonomics to an user for handling the ophthalmic device (100). Further, the handle (101) may be a hollow structure and may be configured to house a power source such as batteries and various other electronic components. Furthermore, the handle (101) may be defined with a plurality of ports (118), which may be configured to house a charging port and/or a power button. Further, the handle (101) may include a support member (107) which may extend from a bottom portion of the handle (101) and may be adapted to support a housing (125). In an embodiment, the support member (107) may extend integrally from the bottom portion of the handle (101) or may be an external member which may be coupled to the bottom portion of the handle (101). The support member (107) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of magnets. In an embodiment, the support member (107) may aid in supporting one of a plurality of modules (109, 114) for performing the eye examination. Further, the ophthalmic device (100) may include the housing (125) which may be coupled to and supported on the support member (107). The housing may be adapted to accommodate a power source such as but not limited to a battery and other electrical components such as control units, circuit boards, wires, transmitters, receiver and the like, which may aid in supplying power to the components of the ophthalmic device (100) as well as the plurality of modules (109, 114). In an embodiment, the housing may also be configured to accommodate a plurality of magnets which may aid in supporting one of the plurality of modules (109, 114) for performing the eye examination.

As apparent from Fig. 2, the ophthalmic device (100) that may further include a head portion (102) which may be removably coupled to the handle (101). The head portion (102) may extend angularly away from a top portion of the handle (101). In an embodiment, the head portion (102) may be removably coupled to the handle (101) through but not limiting to a snap fit connection or through fasteners. The head portion (102) may be selectively disengaged from the handle (101), thereby provides access to the power source and various other electronic components, to perform maintenance. Further, the ophthalmic device (100) may include a controller (124) which may be configured to aid an operator to control and operate the components of the ophthalmic device (100) as well as the plurality of modules (109, 114). For example, the controller (124) may be in the form of including but not limited to a joystick. Further, the head portion (102) may be defined with one or more provisions (119) which may be adapted to house the controller (124).

Referring again to Figs. 1-3, the ophthalmic device (100) may include a holder (103) which may be removably coupled to the head portion (102). The holder (103) may be configured to selectively support a processing unit (106) and various modules based on the type of eye examination to be performed. In an embodiment, the processing unit (106) may be a device or an apparatus which may be configured to capture and process images which may be used for performing eye examination. For example, the processing unit (106) may be including but not limited to a mobile phone, a camera and any other electronic device having image capturing capabilities. Further, the holder (103) may include a substantially circular bracket (120). In an embodiment, the circular bracket (120) may be defined with a first surface (120a) and a second surface (120b) opposite to the first surface (120a). Additionally, the holder (103) may include at least one connecting member (126). The at least one connecting member (126) may be defined on the first surface (120a) of the circular bracket (120). The at least one connecting member (126) may be structured to support one of the plurality of modules (109, 114) on the first surface (120a). Furthermore, the second surface (120b) of the circular bracket (120) may be adapted to support the processing unit (106). The processing unit (106) may be fixed to the second surface (120b) through suitable fastening means.

In an embodiment, the ophthalmic device (100) may include a display [not shown in Figs] which may be connected to a control unit of the ophthalmic device (100) or to the processing unit (106) and may be configured to display required information to an operator and may also be configured to receive inputs from the operator to operate the ophthalmic device (100) and/or the plurality of modules (109, 114).

Additionally, the holder (103) may be defined with a protrusion (104) extending from one side of the circular bracket (120). In an embodiment, the protrusion (104) may extend from the second surface (120b) and away from the circular bracket (120). The protrusion (104) may be inserted into an opening of head portion (102), thus removably coupling the holder (103) with the head portion (102). In an embodiment, the protrusion (104) may couple through snap fit connection with the head portion (102), thereby removably coupling the holder (103) with the head portion (102) or may be coupled to the head portion (102) through fasteners. Further, the holder (103) may include a plate (105) which may extend from the side portion of the circular bracket (120). In an embodiment, the plate (105) may extend from the same side from which the protrusion (104) extends and may extend perpendicular to the protrusion (104). The protrusion (104) and the plate (105) of the holder (103) may aid in supporting the processing unit (106) in the ophthalmic device (100).

Furthermore, the circular bracket (120) may be defined with a plurality of cavities (108). The plurality of cavities (108) may include a primary cavity (108 a) and a plurality of secondary cavities (108b). The primary cavity (108a) may be defined at a central region of the circular bracket (120) and the plurality of secondary cavities (108b) may be defined around the primary cavity (108a). The primary cavity (108a) may be configured to provide passageway for an image capturing unit of the processing unit (106), and the plurality of secondary cavities (108b) around the primary cavity (108a) may be configured to house at least one of light emitting diodes which aid in illuminating an examination area, one or more magnets to facilitate removable coupling of the plurality of modules (109, 114) and power contact pins. In an embodiment, the plurality of secondary cavities (108b) may be defined around a circumference of the primary cavity (108a) in series, such that upon providing at least one of light emitting diodes within each of the plurality of secondary cavities (108b), the plurality of secondary cavities (108b) resemble a ring light or a ring LED or a series of LED’s. The configuration of the plurality of secondary cavities (108b) having the at least one of light emitting diodes that may be defined around the circumference of the primary cavity (108a) facilitates lighting up the eye portion and/or the plurality of modules (109, 114) for examination. For example, the in case the ophthalmic device (100) may be used to a module which may require high intensity of light, then all of the light emitting diodes may be switched on in all of the plurality of secondary cavities (108b). In an embodiment, ophthalmic device (100) may be configured such that a predetermined number of the plurality of secondary cavities (108b) having the LED’s may be selectively switch on based on requirement. The LED’s accommodated within the plurality of secondary cavities (108b) may be manually or automatically operated by the user, based on requirement.

Turning now to Fig. 4, which illustrates a slit lamp module (109). The slit lamp module (109) may be removably coupled to the holder (103) [thus, the ophthalmic device (100)]. The slit lamp module (109) may include a base (110) and a guide bracket (111) extending from the base (110). The base (110) may include a plurality of magnets and may facilitate in coupling of the base (110) [thus, the slit lamp module (109)] to the ophthalmic device (100), that is the plurality of magnets may be adapted to couple the base (110) with the support member (107). In an embodiment, the base (110) of the slit lamp module (109) may be received by the at least one connecting member (126) extending from the side portion of the circular bracket (120) of the holder (103) and facilitate coupling between the slit lamp module (109) and the holder (103). Further, the guide bracket (111) may be defined with a slot (112) for accommodating and guiding a light source [not shown in Figures]. In an embodiment, the slit lamp module (109) may be coupled to the support member (107) through a snap fit connection. Further, the slit lamp module (109) may include a head rest (113), which may be configured to contact forehead of the user. In an embodiment, the head rest (113) may be made of a material which may be including but not limited to metals, metal alloys, polymers and the like. The head rest (113) may include an arm (113a) which may extend away from a top portion of the base (110) and an engaging member (113b) which may contact the forehead of the user. The head rest (113) may facilitate stability to the ophthalmic device (100) during performing of the eye examination. In an embodiment, the head rest (113) may be adjustable based on the need. As an example, the head rest (113) may be a spring based or a knob based or a screw based head rest which may be adjustable based on posture and dimension of users head.

In an operational embodiment, in order to conduct an eye examination using the slit lamp module (109), the user may couple the slit lamp module (109) with the support member (107) of the ophthalmic device (100) [best seen in Fig. 6]. In an embodiment the slit lamp module (109) may be coupled to the support member (107) of the ophthalmic device (100) through a magnetic connection. Upon coupling the slit lamp module (109) with the support member (107) of the ophthalmic device (100), the user may position the ophthalmic device (100) proximal to the eye with the head rest (113) contacting the forehead. Further the light source of the slit lamp module (109) may be positioned on the guide bracket (111) where the light source may be guided along the slot (112) of the guide bracket (111). The light source may emit light in the shape of a strip. The slit lamp module (109) allows the user to examine various structures at the front and inside of the eye in greater detail. It's an important tool for determining eye health and detecting eye disease.

Turning now to Fig. 5, which illustrates a perspective view of a tonometer module (114). The tonometer module (114) may include an elongated body (115) which may be defined with a bracket (117) at one end. The bracket (117) may be configured to support a light source (121) [seen in Fig. 7] and may include a plurality of magnets. In an embodiment, the light source (121) and a support member supporting the light source (121) may be incorporated within the elongated body (115) or may be flushed with the elongated body (115). Additionally, the light source (115) may be fixed to the tonometer module (114) by suitable means. Further, the elongated body (115) of the tonometer module (114) may include a plurality of magnets which may be adapted to couple the elongated body (115) with the support member (107). In an embodiment, a bottom portion of the elongated body (115) may include a plurality of magnets, such that the plurality of magnets may aid in removably coupling the tonometer module (114) with support member (107) of the ophthalmic device (100). That is, the bracket (117) may couple with the holder (103) and the bottom portion of the elongated body (115) [thus, the tonometer module (114)] may couple with the support member (107) of the handle (101), thereby the tonometer module (114) gets removably coupled to the ophthalmic device (100). Further, the tonometer module (114) may include a head rest (116), which may be configured to contact forehead of the user. In an embodiment, the head rest (116) may be made of a material which may be including but not limited to metals, metal alloys, polymers and the like. The head rest (116) may include an arm (116a) which may extend away from a top portion of the base (110) and an engaging member (116b) which may contact the forehead of the user. The head rest (116) may facilitate stability to the ophthalmic device (100) during performing of the eye examination. In an embodiment, the head rest (116) may be adjustable based on the need. As an example, the head rest (116) may be a spring or a knob or a screw based head rest which may be adjustable based on posture and dimension of users head.

In an operational embodiment, in order to conduct eye examination using the tonometer module (114), the user may couple the tonometer module (114) with the ophthalmic device (100) [best seen in Fig. 7], That is, the bracket (117) of the tonometer module (114) may be coupled to the holder (103) of the ophthalmic device (100) and the bottom portion of the tonometer module (114) may be coupled to the support member (107), thereby coupling the tonometer module (114) with the ophthalmic device (100). That is, the bracket (117) of the tonometer module (114) may be received by the at least one connecting member (126) extending from the side portion of the circular bracket (120) of the holder (103) and facilitate coupling between the slit lamp module (109) and the holder (103). In an embodiment the tonometer module (114) may be coupled to the support member (107) of the ophthalmic device (100) through a magnetic connection. Upon coupling the tonometer module (114) with the ophthalmic device (100) the user may position the ophthalmic device (100) proximal to the eye and perform eye examination by using the light. The tonometer module (114) aids in measuring intraocular pressure (the pressure inside the eye (IOP). The measurement can assist the user in evaluating about the risk of glaucoma.

In an embodiment, the ophthalmic device (100) may include at least one magnification lens [not shown in Figs] which may be positioned proximal to the circular bracket (120). The at least one magnification lens may be adapted to magnify the view of the image to be viewed or captured or to be examined. The at least one magnification lens may include a combination of lenses which may be decided based on requirement of the operator. In an embodiment, the at least one magnification lens may be enclosed in a tubular structure which may be disposed on the ophthalmic device (100) proximal to the circular bracket (120). Further, the ophthalmic device (100) may include a beam splitter [not shown in Figs] which may be configured separately or may be provided with the at least one magnification lens. The beam splitter may be adapted to divide incoming light into two paths. For example, the beam splitter may be configured to split the light and the image into two paths where one path may lead to a camera and the other to the at least one magnification lens.

In an embodiment, the configuration of the ophthalmic device (100) makes it simple in construction, easy to manufacture, lesser in weight and modular by selectively coupling different modules based on the type of eye examination to be made. Further, the construction of the ophthalmic device (100) facilitates a practitioner to conduct examinations remotely away from the clinics, facilitates home eyecare visits, can be used in small setup clinics, and the like

In an embodiment, the ophthalmic device (100) of the present disclosure is portable, easy to carry and perform examination.

In an embodiment, the configuration of the holder (103) and the support member (107) enables easy attachment and detachment of the plurality of modules (109, 114) with the ophthalmic device (100).

Further, Figs. 8 and 9, illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the ophthalmic device (200). The ophthalmic device (200) may aid in selectively accommodating various modules such as but not limiting to a slit lamp module, a tonometer module, corneal topographic module, a fundus imaging module, RAPD module and similar modules which may be adapted for eye examination. The ophthalmic device (200) may include a handle (201), which may support various components of the ophthalmic device (200). Further, the handle (201) may be a hollow structure and may be configured to house a power source such as batteries and various other electronic components. Furthermore, the handle (201) may be defined with a plurality of ports (218), which may be configured to house a charging port and/or a power button. Further, the handle (201) may include a support member (207) which may extend from a bottom portion of the handle (201). In an embodiment, the support member (207) may extend integrally from the bottom portion of the handle (201) or may be an external member which may be coupled to the bottom portion of the handle (201). The support member (207) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of magnets. In an embodiment, the support member (207) may aid in supporting one of a plurality of modules (109, 114) for performing the eye examination. Further, the ophthalmic device (200) may further include a head portion (202) which may be removably coupled to the handle (201). In an embodiment, the head portion (202) may be removably coupled to the handle (201) through but not limiting to a snap fit connection or through fasteners. Further, the head portion (202) may be defined with one or more provisions (219) which may be adapted to house at least one control switch and any other buttons such as power button, control buttons and the like. Additionally, the ophthalmic device (200) may include a holder (203) which may be removably coupled to the head portion (202). The holder (203) may be configured to selectively support a processing unit (206) and various modules based on the type of eye examination to be performed. Further, the holder (203) may include a substantially circular bracket (220). In an embodiment, the circular bracket (220) may be defined with a first surface (220a) and a second surface (220b) opposite to the first surface (220a). Additionally, the holder (203) may include a first bracket (222) which may extend from a side portion of the circular bracket (220) and adjacent to the first surface (220a). The first bracket (222) may be structured to support one of the plurality of modules (109, 114) on the first surface (220a). Furthermore, the holder (203) may include a second bracket (223) which may extend from a side portion of the circular bracket (220) and adjacent to the second surface (220b). The second bracket (223) may be structured to support a processing unit (106) on the second surface (220b).

Additionally, the holder (203) may be defined with a protrusion (204) extending from one side of the circular bracket (220). In an embodiment, the protrusion (204) may extend from the second surface (220b) and away from the circular bracket (220). The protrusion (204) may be inserted into an opening of head portion (202), thus removably coupling the holder (203) with the head portion (202). In an embodiment, the protrusion (204) may couple through snap fit connection with the head portion (202), thereby removably coupling the holder (203) with the head portion (202) or may be coupled to the head portion (202) through fasteners. Further, the holder (203) may include a plate (205) which may extend from the side portion of the circular bracket (220). In an embodiment, the plate (205) may extend from the same side from which the protrusion (204) extends and may extend perpendicular to the protrusion (204). The protrusion (204) and the plate (205) of the holder (203) may aid in supporting the processing unit (106) in the ophthalmic device (200).

Furthermore, the circular bracket (220) may be defined with a plurality of cavities (208). The plurality of cavities (208) may include a primary cavity (208a) and a plurality of secondary cavities (208b). The primary cavity (208a) may be defined at a central region of the circular bracket (220) and the plurality of secondary cavities (208b) may be defined around the primary cavity (208a). The primary cavity (208a) may be configured to provide passageway for an image capturing unit of the processing unit (206), and the plurality of secondary cavities (208b) around the primary cavity (208a) may be configured to house at least one of light emitting diodes which aid in illuminating an examination area, one or more magnets to facilitate removable coupling of the plurality of modules (109, 114) and power contact pins. In an embodiment, the plurality of secondary cavities (208b) may be defined around a circumference of the primary cavity (208a) in series, such that upon providing at least one of light emitting diodes within each of the plurality of secondary cavities (208b), the plurality of secondary cavities (208b) resemble a ring light or a ring LED or a series of LED’s.

It should be imperative that the hand-held modular ophthalmic device and any other elements described in the above detailed description should not be considered as a limitation with respect to the figures. Rather, variation to such system and method should be considered within the scope of the detailed description.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope. Referral Numerals:

Claims

We Claim:

1. A hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100), comprising: a handle (101); a head portion (102) extending from the handle (101); and a holder (103) removably coupled to the head portion (102), the holder (103) comprising: a circular bracket (120) having a first surface (120a) and a second surface (120b) opposite to the first surface (120a); at least one connecting member (126) defined on the first surface (120a), the at least one connecting member (126) is structured to support one of a plurality of modules (109, 114) on the first surface (120a).

2. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circular bracket (120) is defined with a protrusion (104) extending from the second surface (120b), the protrusion (104) is adapted to couple the circular bracket (120) with the head portion (102).

3. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plate (105) extending from the side portion of the circular bracket (120), the plate (105) is adapted to support the processing unit (106).

4. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a support member (107) extending from a bottom portion of the handle (101), the support member (107) is adapted to support one of a plurality of modules (109, 114).

5. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 4, comprises a housing (125) coupled to and supported on the support member (107), the housing (125) is adapted to accommodate a power source.

6. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head portion (102) is defined with one or more provisions (119) to house a controller (124).

7. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circular bracket (120) is defined with a plurality of cavities (108), the plurality of cavities (108) comprises: a primary cavity (108a) and a plurality of secondary cavities (108b) defined around the primary cavity (108a); wherein the primary cavity (108a) is configured to provide passageway for the image capturing unit of the processing unit (106), and the plurality of secondary cavities (108b) are configured to house at least one of a light source, magnets and power contact pins.

8. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a slit lamp module (109) removably coupled to the holder (103), the slit lamp module (109) comprises: a base (110); and a guide bracket (111) extending from the base (110), the guide bracket (111) is defined with a slot (112) to accommodate and guide a light source.

9. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the slit lamp module (109) comprises a head rest (113), the head rest (113) includes an arm (113a) extending away from a top portion of the base (110) and an engaging member (113b) adapted to contact forehead of a user.

10. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the base (110) of the slit lamp module (109) comprises a plurality of magnets adapted to couple the base (110) with the support member (107).

11. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a tonometer module (114) removably coupled to the holder (103), the tonometer module (114) comprises: an elongated body (115) defined with a bracket (117), wherein the bracket (117) is configured to support a light source (121).

12. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the tonometer module (114) comprises a head rest (116), the head rest (116) includes an arm (116a) extending away from the elongated body (115) and an engaging member (116b) adapted to contact forehead of a user.

13. The hand-held modular ophthalmic device (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the elongated body (115) of the tonometer module (114) comprises a plurality of magnets adapted to couple the elongated body (115) with the support member (107).