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Research and Development Programs

The visual field (VF) test is a widely used, noninvasive technique for evaluating pathology or dysfunction in the visual pathways. It is one of the basic diagnostic tools of ophthalmology. The VF test, in conjunction with other diagnostics, is especially useful in the detection of glaucoma and for following its progression.

Diagnostic aid software for the visual field test

Early detection of glaucoma is critical, as blindness from the disease is preventable in nearly all cases, provided treatment is administered early in the progression. BioFormatix has been applying novel machine learning approaches to the problem of glaucoma diagnosis via an automated analysis of visual field test and ancillary data. VFExpert is an integrated, user friendly decision-aid software program that facilitates and standardizes the task of interpreting the visual field test by providing a reliable and detailed classification of glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous defects, with the main emphasis on early detection of glaucoma. Additionally, the program provides measures of visual field and glaucoma progression as well as tools for data visualization and management.

Poster presented at 2007 Meeting of AGS (American Glaucoma Society)
Poster presented at 2007 Meeting of ARVO (The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology)

Demo of VFExpert (NOTE: Please use high screen resolution to run demo)

Head-mounted apparatus for the visual field test

The goal of this effort is to develop and demonstrate clinical use of a head-mounted apparatus for the visual field test. This light-weight, low-cost device is a comprehensive visual field test platform based on virtual reality display technology. It permits unprecedented freedom of movement of the head and body, thus minimizing or even eliminating the stress and fatigue commonly associated with conventional visual field testing systems. A flexible, computerized platform and state-of-the art display technology enables easy re-configuration of the system to accommodate emerging and future test scenarios. The incorporation of a gaze tracking device increases test reliability and accuracy, and enables hands-free operation. Other potential additional applications include testing of visual acuity and color vision.