In the fast-paced world of eye care technology, staying at the forefront of innovation is crucial. Virtual Field has continuously pushed the boundaries to provide eye care professionals with cutting-edge solutions. In this blog, you’ll be taken on a chronological journey through the significant software and hardware updates that have shaped Virtual Field's remarkable evolution.
Hardware Innovations and Announcements
Early Prototyping - May 2018
The journey began with early prototyping in May 2018, laying the foundation for a new era in eye care technology. Researchers and engineers laid the foundation for a groundbreaking solution that would revolutionize visual field assessment.
First Trade Show at AAO 2018
Just a few months later, Virtual Field’s technology made its inaugural appearance at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) trade show in October 2018. This pivotal event showcased the technology's potential to the medical community and set the stage for future developments.
Trial Lens Adapters Development - April 2019
Virtual Field continued to improve its hardware, and in April 2019, Virtual Field launched the first trial lens adapters for virtual visual fields, marking a significant enhancement to the platform's versatility. These adapters were designed with user-friendliness as a top priority, seamlessly fitting standard trial lenses and magnetically attaching to the headset for easy removal when healthcare professionals prefer patients to wear their glasses. The current version of the adapters incorporate a slot to accommodate both cylinder and sphere trial lenses.
Headset Stand Launch - September 2022
In September 2022, Virtual Field made a customer-focused move by launching a free tabletop headset stand meant to be used during testing. This innovation offers patients the choice to either wear the headset conventionally on their head or position their face comfortably within the tabletop headset stand. The concept emerged from valuable customer feedback, primarily addressing feedback related to the headset's fit with specific hairstyles. While the vast majority of patients favor using the headset independently, the headset stand provides a convenient alternative when required.
VF3 Pro - August 2023
Virtual Field experienced a significant milestone with the official launch of the VF3 Pro headset. Distinguishing itself from the VF3, the VF3 Pro introduces several cutting-edge features, including automated eye tracking, real-time eye monitoring throughout the examination, pupillometry, kinetic visual field testing (Goldmann perimetry), and DICOM reporting. Moreover, the VF3 Pro showcases a distinct hardware design, characterized by a sleek white exterior shell, an easily adjustable head strap, and an inclusive functional headset stand. The VF3 Pro is a distinct product and a premium option for offices that require all the bells and whistles.
Significant Software Updates
BOLT Algorithm Introduction - 2019
The BOLT algorithm, short for Block's Optimal Luminance Thresholding, was introduced in 2019. This proprietary thresholding strategy was designed to significantly reduce testing time by 2-4 minutes compared to industry-standard threshold prediction methods. Simultaneously, the full threshold algorithm was decommissioned and archived so that it was no longer available for use. BOLT strikes the perfect balance between accuracy and speed, ensuring that patients receive reliable results without spending unnecessary time in the examination chair.
This algorithm achieves its remarkable efficiency by evaluating the visual field as a whole. It identifies positions that require further testing and those that already provide sufficient information. This intelligent approach not only streamlines the examination process but also enhances the accuracy of the results.
Addition of Progression Analysis - July 2019
In July 2019, Virtual Field unveiled the first progression analysis reporting feature available on a virtual visual field headset. This detailed report requires only two of the same threshold exams on the same eye. It encompasses a comprehensive array of components, including a trend line, a metrics table, and exam graphs, all geared towards facilitating long-term monitoring of conditions such as glaucoma and other eye diseases. This innovation equips healthcare professionals with a powerful tool to assess and track the progression of these conditions efficiently and effectively.
Quantity Defects and C-40 Screening - August 2021
In August 2021, Virtual Field expanded its capabilities by introducing quantity defects and C-40 screening. This development enabled early detection of subtle visual field impairments, leading to more proactive eye care interventions.
Color Vision - August 2022
Due to popular demand, Virtual Field took a major step in enhancing the testing scope with the release of virtual Ishihara Color Vision testing, which is offered on both their VF3 and VF3 Pro models. This addition allowed for the detection and diagnosis of color vision deficiencies, enabling clinicians to offer more comprehensive eye care. Offering such comprehensive care yields substantial benefits, including improved patient care, personalized treatments, and patient satisfaction, bolstering the healthcare practice's competitive edge.
DICOM Integration - November 2022
In November 2022, Virtual Field achieved a major milestone by implementing DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) downloads, signifying a substantial advancement in data management and interoperability. While Virtual Field could easily integrate with EMR/EHR systems requiring PDF or JPEG files (such as EyeMD, Epic, Crystal Practice Management, and others), the incorporation of DICOM technology further enhanced its compatibility with all medical imaging systems. This integration streamlined data sharing and analysis, ultimately elevating the compatibility of Virtual Field devices within healthcare settings.
PDF Redesign - March 2023
In March 2023, Virtual Field underscored its commitment to user-friendliness by implementing a comprehensive overhaul of PDF reports, enhancing their clarity and accessibility. The company took inspiration from traditional visual field reports to simplify transition, but also aimed to improve readability. To achieve this, Virtual Field placed the most crucial data at the report's outset, accentuating key visual field indices such as MD, PSD, VFI, GHT, and essential reliability metrics like fixation losses, false positives, and false negatives.
Enhanced Onboarding Experience - July 2023
Virtual field technology underwent a transformative shift in user onboarding. Virtual Field introduced a comprehensive onboarding process, including a quickstart guide, personalized onboarding calls with dedicated customer success managers, instructive training videos, and informative onboarding emails. These resources streamlined the integration of the technology into clinical practices, ensuring users could maximize its potential with ease.
Pupillometry and Kinetic Visual Fields (Goldmann Perimetry) Announced - August 2023
Automated pupillometry empowers eye care professionals to quickly and objectively detect optic nerve abnormalities and relative afferent pupillary defects (RAPD). The exam is used in lieu of a manual Swinging Flashlight Test, but requires less training and can easily be performed before a patient is dilated to see the doctor.
The kinetic visual field (Goldmann perimetry) exam employs a dynamic approach, presenting a moving target with customizable parameters that replicate real-world visual experiences. By seamlessly adapting to varying conditions, this exam excels in detecting peripheral vision issues that often remain unnoticed in static tests. Its versatility ensures precise diagnostics, catering to diverse patient profiles and ocular conditions.
One Million Exams Completed - September 2023
Virtual Field most recently achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing the one million mark in the total number of exams conducted. This significant achievement underscores Virtual Field’s commitment to providing cutting-edge eyecare solutions. It reflects the trust and reliance that eyecare professionals and patients alike have placed in this technology for accurate and efficient diagnostic assessments.
Conclusion
Virtual Field’s journey has been characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence, driven by the invaluable feedback and experiences shared by thousands of users. With these insights, Virtual Field has continued to innovate, ensuring it aligns with the evolving needs of the ophthalmology and optometry communities. From the introduction of the BOLT algorithm in 2019 to the most recent addition of kinetic visual field (Goldmann perimetry) in August 2023, Virtual Field's evolution is a testament to the company’s dedication to enhancing the eye care experience. The widespread support and trust from users has played a pivotal role in advancing Virtual Field’s mission of providing an exceptional eye exam experience. The future holds the promise of further innovation, growth, and, above all, a positive impact as Virtual Field remains committed to advancing our experience.
About Virtual Field
Virtual Field delivers an exceptional eye exam experience. Eye care professionals including ophthalmologists and optometrists examine patients faster, more efficiently, and more comfortably than ever before. Exams include Visual Field, 24-2, Kinetic Visual Field (Goldmann Perimetry), Ptosis, Esterman, Color Vision, Pupillometry, and more.