Australian developed visual field software, Melbourne Rapid Fields (MRF), has been recommended for use during the COVID-19 pandemic because it reduces the risk of virus transmission and helps facilitate telehealth consultations.
The MRF visual field software provides portable, rapid and accurate threshold testing of visual fields for patients with eye and neurological conditions, on multiple platforms (PCs, Macs and iPads). Patients can easily perform the tests within minutes, online, with results visible to their consulting clinician. Additionally, GPs and eye care professionals can use the software to test vision and visual fields in their clinics.
MRF visual field software provides portable, rapid and accurate threshold testing of visual fields
The software was developed by Dr Algis Vingrys and Dr George Kong in partnership with The University of Melbourne and the Royal Eye and Ear Hospital Melbourne.
According to distributor Designs for Vision, when used in clinics it is a suitable alternative to viewing-dome or goggle type visual field devices that can cause direct contact with the patient’s face and with aerosolised droplets. At a time when telehealth is crucial, it also allows practitioners to diagnose and/or monitor changes remotely.
MRF is designed for home-monitoring and early clinic-based detection of vision problems caused by:
– Glaucoma
– Age-related macular degeneration
– Macular oedema from diabetes or retinal vein occlusion
– Diabetic retinopathy
– Neurological conditions that affects the visual field (including multiple sclerosis, and optic neuritis)
A comparison study found that perimetry results from the MRF had a strong correlation to Humphrey Field Analyser (HFA) outcomes. MRF also had test–retest reliability comparable to HFA.1 A six month longitudinal study also found the MRF correlated strongly with HFA, this time across four visits over a six-month period, and had good test-retest reliability. MRF was found to be suitable for monitoring visual fields in settings where conventional perimetry is not readily accessible.2
The software is registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia as a perimetry device.
Contact: Designs For Vision (AUS) 1800 225 307.
References:
1 Yu Xiang George Kong, Mingguang He, Jonathan G. Crowston, and Algis J. Vingrys. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2016 Nov; 5(6): 2. ‘A Comparison of Perimetric Results from a Tablet Perimeter and Humphrey Field Analyzer in Glaucoma Patients’.
2 Prea SM,1, Kong YXG,2, Mehta A,3, He M4, Crowston JG,5, Gupta V,3, Martin KR,2, Vingrys AJ,6. Am J Ophthalmol. 2018 Jun;190:9-16. “Six-month Longitudinal Comparison of a Portable Tablet Perimeter With the Humphrey Field Analyzer”
