Currently, visual field analysis is carried out with an appropriate lens in the trial frame. This has to be calculated by allied health staff and then the appropriate lens is inserted into the frame. This is a time consuming process. The new technology will eliminate this step by incorporating a liquid lens that automatically adjusts to the patient’s refractive error. When pressure within the lens is gradually increased the lens shape changes to suit each patients individual spectacle prescription. It reduces patient setup time by automatically loading the patient’s refractive correction from their previous exam. The result is faster patient flow and reduced chance of error when selecting a lens during test while making the process less time consuming.
HFA3 – Liquid Lens Assisted Visual Field Analysis
Initiative Type
Technology
Status
Deliver
Added
Last updated
Summary
Key dates
Sep 2016
Sep 2019
Implementation sites
Prince Charles Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Partnerships
Healthcare Improvement Unit
Aim
Provides an opportunity to pilot and evaluate new technologies within 'real world' clinical settings in the Queensland context.
Benefits
The potential benefits of this technology includes:
- The new HFA3 with liquid lens is much easier to set up for staff and non-invasive to patients improving patient comfort.
- An increase in the ability to provide a larger number of tests for the hospital community.
- The modern HFA3 unit will integrate better with digital networking and data applications streamlining patient clinical information.
- The liquid trial lens can be used on 90 per cent of patients with a refractive error.
- Improved clinic flow leading to reduced patient waiting time for and during appointments.
- Reduction in time spent on field analysis and improved efficiency in the Ophthalmology department.
Background
This technology was funded through the New Technology Funding and Evaluation Program (NTFEP). The NTFEP funds the introduction and evaluation of new technologies that:
- Are safe and effective
- Provide better health outcomes
- Provide value for money
- Provide greater access to care.
The evaluation findings will inform recommendations regarding the future use and/or investment of the technology within Queensland.
