The Advancements of ultrawide-field OCT in Retinal Imaging and Disease Management Avantier interviewed Dr. Jian, an expert in the field of ultrawide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT). We would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Jian for his contribution to this discussion. Can you tell us about your path and how you started working on optical coherence tomography (OCT)? I completed my undergraduate degree in optics in Shanghai, China, and then moved to Vancouver, Canada, to pursue my PhD in biophotonics. It was while I was studying there that I learned about OCT and its applications in eye imaging and adaptive optics. Under the guidance of my supervisor, a pioneering researcher in OCT, I had the opportunity to work with various OCT and imaging systems designed for both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. A few years after earning my PhD in 2014, I was recruited by Dr. David Huang —one of the co-inventors of OCT— to join the faculty at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). There, I took part in developing OCT and other eye imaging systems. What challenges did you face in your research? Developing ultra-widefield OCT presents several challenges. The first challenge is the scan duration. The longer the procedure takes, the more uncomfortable a patient becomes. To minimize patient discomfort, a high-speed OCT system that utilizes advanced laser technology is needed. The second challenge involves imaging depth. We adopted a method to process data in real-time using a GPU, which allows us to accurately image the curved structure of the eyeball. The third and most significant challenge was related to optics. We needed components that could provide high-quality, high-resolution imaging, but the existing designs did not meet our specifications. We also experimented with ophthalmic lenses from other imaging modalities, but they lacked the optical quality and performance necessary for our research objectives. Retinal Imaging by OCT (Copyright: Dr. Yifan Jian, OHSU University) How do you collaborate with Avantier? After conducting various studies, we determined that existing ophthalmic lenses were unsuitable for ultra-widefield OCT. There was just one solution: we had to design and manufacture our own custom optics. This process required us to gain a deeper understanding of optical design and optical software in order to develop a high-performance lens system. It was at this time that we discovered Avantier could produce cost-effective and high-quality optical components. Their approach was more streamlined and affordable than the approaches of other companies, which was particularly important for us as we were new to custom lens design. Today our ultrawide field OCT systems are capable of delivering impressive results. They provide high-quality ultra-widefield images that are utilized in clinics for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and in neonatal intensive care units to screen premature infants for retinopathy of prematurity. Our collaboration with Avantier has broadened the possibilities of ultra-widefield OCT, and the custom optics we incorporated enable our systems to attain high levels of performance in both research and clinical settings. A sample picture of the eyepiece Research on past and future developments in OCT Our ultra-widefield OCT systems have significantly expanded the capabilities of retinal imaging. Handheld and desktop configurations facilitate comprehensive analysis of both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, with crucial applications for conditions like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. One of the most significant advancements in my lab has been the development of a system that can capture an almost perfect 3D reconstruction of the entire eye in a single scan. This technology is particularly beneficial for managing myopia, allowing us to track changes in the shape of the eye. We also employ ultra-widefield OCT in ophthalmic oncology to accurately measure tumors within the eye. OCT offers extremely detailed structural information and higher resolution than traditional imaging methods like MRI and ultrasound. Increasing imaging speed has been another major focus of our work. We have developed a new system that projects an entire line of light rather than scanning a single point. This innovation allows for parallel image acquisition, significantly improving processing speed. We are also exploring ways to enhance tissue contrast to reveal retinal layers that were previously difficult to differentiate. I believe that speed will be a defining factor for the future of OCT. Commercially available systems are still relatively slow compared to research-grade devices. Faster OCT will facilitate imaging of a larger field of view and enable functional assessments, such as opto-retinal photography, which allows for real-time evaluation of photoreceptor function. In our research, we will continue to explore mechanisms for achieving higher resolution and better contrast, including oxygen saturation mapping. Thoughtful optical design will be critical in pushing the boundaries of what OCT can uncover. One more aspect I would like to highlight is my research on adaptive optics for high-resolution imaging. We have developed a system that iteratively optimizes image quality without the need for a wavefront sensor. This technology has been successfully applied to imaging small animals. My research on retinopathy of prematurity is another area in which we’ve been able to make a meaningful difference. Utilizing ultra-widefield handheld OCT, we have redefined diagnostic criteria for this condition and identified new biomarkers that traditional imaging could not detect. These new criteria show great promise for early diagnosis and treatment. About Dr. Yifan Jian Dr. Yifan Jian is an Associate Professor at Casey Eye Institute specializing in optical imaging. He earned his Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University in 2014 and later joined Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) to advance OCT technology for ophthalmic imaging, including real-time processing and adaptive optics innovations. Currently, his main research focus is advancing ultrawide-field OCT systems. From Avantier It is an honor to support Dr. Jian’s research as an optical solutions provider. His work has a great impact on the world, advancing science and biomedical technology and providing real value, especially for premature infants and their families. As an optical manufacturer and as a member of society, we are grateful to dedicated individuals like Dr. Jian who