{"id":4808,"date":"2016-06-22T08:08:00","date_gmt":"2016-06-22T08:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimakerstage.wpengine.com\/learn\/"},"modified":"2025-07-29T17:10:58","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T17:10:58","slug":"from-a-market-tested-prototype-to-an-eye-saving-game-changer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ultimaker.com\/nl\/learn\/from-a-market-tested-prototype-to-an-eye-saving-game-changer\/","title":{"rendered":"From a market-tested prototype to an eye-saving game-changer"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"odocs-story<\/div>\n

From a market-tested prototype to an eye-saving game-changer<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n

3D printing is reshaping the world we live in. It\u2019s even changing the face of medical care \u2013 a fact that Sheng Chiong Hong, an award-winning doctor from New Zealand, can prove. His revolutionary 3D printed ophthalmic diagnostic equipment has already become a global success. Now, he\u2019s brought the world\u2019s first smartphone diagnostic eye care kit, which is suitable for commercial use.<\/p><\/div>\n

Intuitive, portable, cost-effective<\/h2>\n

Losing your eyesight is a terrifying concept for most people. In developing countries, this is especially the case, as medical treatment is often too expensive. For instance, retinal cameras, which are vital for diagnosing cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal opacities, cost around $20,000; a price that many medical practices simply can\u2019t afford.<\/p>\n

oDocs\u2019 new Eye Care Kit<\/a>\u00a0costs around just $400. It consists of a visoClip and visoScope, which when fitted on an iPhone, transforms it into a retinal camera and anterior segment. They\u2019re small, easy-to-use devices that clip into place in seconds, making professional eye examinations simple and accessible.<\/p><\/section>\n

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Performing an eye examination at oDocs<\/div><\/div>\n

With oDocs\u2019 smartphone app and attachments, doctors can diagnose sight-threatening illnesses anywhere in the world.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dr. Hong began developing the oDocs Eye Care Kit in 2015. Extensive use of 3D printing was at the heart of the process, especially in the\u00a0prototyping<\/a>\u00a0stages. The initial models were market-tested then adjusted, based on real-life user feedback. Now, the innovative design has evolved; producing a professional product that\u2019s ready to be used by medical workers worldwide.<\/p>\n

The oDoc app and attachments offer huge potential. Around seven million people in the developing world lose their sight due to preventable diseases. oDoc\u2019s innovative smartphone-based solution means that this number can be greatly reduced. \u00a0<\/p><\/section>\n

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The new oDocs Eye Care Kit<\/div><\/div>\n

Professional eye examinations \u2013 the visoClip<\/h2>\n

The visoClip is an adapter that examines the front of the eye, which can be used to diagnose diseases like conjunctivitis and corneal infections. The adapter costs $149, but offers the same magnification as a slit lamp microscope worth $15,000. It\u2019s also durable, waterproof, and comes with a 15mm-wide light beam with white and cobalt blue optical filters.<\/p>\n

The visoScope<\/h2>\n

The visoScope adapter, which comes in a range of materials, is an alternative to a direct ophthalmoscope and retinal camera. It provides a clear 50-degree field of view and helps identify common ophthalmic conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, diseases that are treatable if detected in time.<\/p>\n

The oDoc App<\/h2>\n

The accompanying mobile app features electronic medical records, a wide range of vision tests and the ability to acquire and store images. Medical workers can also assess color vision, astigmatism, visual acuity and relative pupillary light reflex using the app \u2013 making the diagnostic process a lot simpler. Best of all, it\u2019s fully portable. That means that medical workers can take it with them when they\u2019re visiting a bed-bound patient or doing a medical field trip.<\/p>\n

Making it happen<\/h2>\n

The oDocs story shows how 3D printing can be used to change the world. It enables individuals like Hong to prototype and test products more quickly and at a lower cost.<\/p><\/section>\n

\"odocs-eyecare-hero-1\"<\/figure>
<\/div>\n<\/path>\n<\/path><\/svg>\nWatch the video<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

oDocs\u2019 Eye Care Kit has the potential to save millions from blindness. But this wouldn\u2019t be possible without functional prototyping. And 3D printing is the most accurate, not to mention time and cost-effective, way to achieve it. It gives the opportunity to road-test products, improve ergonomics and feel, and get to market with a high-quality, innovative solution.<\/p>\n

Make sure to check out the original\u00a0free kit on YouMagine<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0oDocs website<\/a>\u00a0to learn more about their mission and products. Part of their profits will go towards preventing blindness in developing nations \u2013 and your pre-order or donation can make a real difference.<\/p><\/section>\n

Learn more about functional prototypes<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

Disclaimer:<\/b><\/i>\u00a0Ultimaker 3D printers are designed and built for Fused Filament Fabrication with Ultimaker engineering thermoplastics within a commercial\/business environment. The mixture of precision and speed makes the Ultimaker 3D printers the perfect machine for concept models, functional prototypes and the production of small series. Although we achieved a very high standard in the reproduction of 3D models with the usage of Ultimaker Cura, the user remains responsible to qualify and validate the application of the printed object for its intended use, especially critical for applications in strictly regulated areas like medical devices and aeronautics.<\/i><\/p><\/section>\n