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In Honduras, access to specialized eye care is limited. The country’s population of 9.8 million is served by just 80 ophthalmologists, while an estimated 1 million Hondurans live with vision impairment. To help address this challenge, Volk Optical and ACE Global are using VistaView™ and Virtual by Volk™ to expand access to retinal screening and specialist consultation in remote communities.
For ACE Global, finding a portable, high-quality retinal imaging solution was essential. Traditional fundus cameras often proved too large and cumbersome for outreach programs that travel to underserved areas. According to the organization, “once we got our hands on the Vista View, that was truly a game changer.” The handheld fundus camera, roughly the size of a cell phone, delivers high-quality retinal images while remaining easy to transport and deploy in the field.
Dr. Jorge Ponce, an ophthalmologist in Honduras, says VistaView’s portability and ease of use have helped extend care to more patients. “It took me three minutes to learn how to use it,” he said. “It’s very easy to train anyone in how to use Vista View.” Because technicians can capture diagnostic-quality images, physicians can focus on reviewing cases and making treatment decisions rather than being physically present at every screening location.
The impact is amplified through Virtual by Volk, a cloud-based platform that automatically uploads and synchronizes images captured with VistaView. Clinicians can review patient images from virtually anywhere, enabling remote screening, collaboration, and mentorship. Dr. Ponce noted that the technology allows him to consult with specialists to determine “what the patient’s best interests may be and how to manage them properly.”
With thousands of patients in need of retinal care, efficiency is critical. ACE Global reports that VistaView and Virtual by Volk have improved both the quality and speed of patient evaluations, helping bridge the gap between patients and diagnosis while advancing the organization’s mission to reduce preventable blindness throughout Honduras.
