Clinical Feasibility of an Indigenous Portable Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography System (IXanner® 7VN) for Community-Based Retinal Screening: A Rural Outreach Study

Abstract

Background: Early diagnosis of retinal disease remains limited in rural India because Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is largely confined to tertiary centres. Portable OCT systems may help bridge this diagnostic gap. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of a portable spectral-domain IXanner® 7Vn OCT device during a community-based eye screening camp in a rural setting. Methods: An observation screening program was conducted at an eye camp in Sringeri, Karnataka, India, from 31 July to 1 August 2025. A total of 135 eyes were scanned using the IXanner® 7Vn portable OCT. Scan acquisition time, operational feasibility, and clinically relevant retinal findings were documented. Results: All scans were successfully performed in a field setting without the need for a dark room, external power supply, or internet connectivity. Average scan time was 30–40 seconds per eye. On-site review by ophthalmologists enabled immediate clinical discussion and referral planning. Early signs of diabetic maculopathy, macular degeneration, and other retinal abnormalities were identified in a significant proportion of screened individuals. The nearest conventional OCT facility for many participants was more than 80 km away. Conclusion: The IXanner® 7Vn portable Spectral-Domain OCT system demonstrated strong feasibility for retinal imaging in community-based screening, with its battery-operated design enabling rapid image acquisition and clinically interpretable outputs. By supporting ophthalmologists in the early detection of retinal abnormalities rather than functioning as an autonomous diagnostic tool, the device enhances outreach-based eye care models. Rural deployment confirmed high operational feasibility and meaningful clinical utility, highlighting the potential of indigenous OCT technology to improve access, reduce referral delays, and strengthen sustainable community eye care. Larger multicentre studies are warranted to validate its performance across diverse populations and healthcare environments.