Comparative Evaluation of Smartphone‐Based Fundus Imaging Systems in Dogs and Cats

OBJECTIVE: To compare the feasibility, image quality, acquisition time, and evaluator preference of four smartphone-based fundus imaging (SBFI) systems in dogs and cats using a handheld fundus camera as a reference device. ANIMALS STUDIED: Twenty client-owned animals, including 10 dogs and 10 cats. PROCEDURES: Fundus images were obtained from 40 eyes (20 mydriatic and 20 non-mydriatic) using four SBFI systems (iExaminer Panoptic, NUN WFE-02S, OQVet, and VistaView) and a handheld infrared fundus camera (Aurora). Image acquisition success and acquisition time were recorded for each device. Image quality was independently graded using a 10-point Likert scale by a masked panel of 32 veterinary ophthalmologists. Evaluators also selected their preferred image among the four SBFI systems. RESULTS: Image acquisition was successful in all animals for all devices under both mydriatic and non-mydriatic conditions (100%). Image quality differed significantly between devices. Among SBFI systems, OQVet achieved the highest median score (7; interquartile range [IQR] 6-8), followed by VistaView (6; IQR 5-8), NUN (5; IQR 4-7), and iExaminer (4; IQR 3-5). OQVet received approximately 50% of evaluator preference votes. The reference camera achieved the highest image quality in 77.5% of imaging sets but was outperformed by OQVet (15%) and VistaView (7.5%) in some examinations. Pupil dilation did not significantly influence image quality or acquisition time. CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone-based fundus imaging enables reliable retinal imaging in dogs and cats and represents an accessible option for retinal documentation and screening in veterinary practice.