# EyeStar-BIO: Software for Enhancing Digital Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopy Examinations

> **NIH NIH R43** · VISIONQUEST BIOMEDICAL INC · 2022 · $247,627

## Abstract

Summary
The goal of the proposed project is to develop EyeStar-BIO, a suite of software tools designed to enhance digital
binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy examinations (BIO), one of the most common forms of examination of the
retina. Using BIO, an ophthalmologist can determine the presence of multiple retinal diseases such as diabetic
retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinopathy of prematurity, among others. The traditional BIO exam
does not produce any visual documentation.
EyeStar-BIO will feature innovative features that are not currently offered as part of digital BIO exams: (1)
automatic image quality assessment, (2) automatic stitching to create a wide-field view of the retina, (3)
longitudinal analysis, and (4) AI-based disease detection. This project has an $800M market potential as BIO
examinations remain one of the most common procedures for ophthalmologists.
The goals of this Phase I project will be accomplished via three specific aims. Aim 1: implement software for
automatic image quality assessment of digital BIO video frames. Aim 2: develop image stitching methods to
generate a wide field view of the retina using the best quality frames in the video. Aim 3: generate images to
track differences in time due to disease progression or regression.
The EyeStar-BIO software will be licensed to manufacturers of digital BIO headsets. Future developments will
include real time implementations of EyeStar-BIO and the ability to diagnose retinal disease using artificial
intelligence.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10383202
- **Project number:** 1R43EY033569-01
- **Recipient organization:** VISIONQUEST BIOMEDICAL INC
- **Principal Investigator:** Jeffrey Wigdahl
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $247,627
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-06-01 → 2023-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10383202

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10383202, EyeStar-BIO: Software for Enhancing Digital Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopy Examinations (1R43EY033569-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10383202. Licensed CC0.

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