Green Light Vision is a community of individuals who work together to equip doctors and nurses around the world with the tools to prevent blindness in children caused by congenital cataract.
Congenital cataract makes up for 5-20 % of blindness in children globally and it is surprisingly easily treated if detected and treated in time. The current screening test for congenital cataract can be difficult to evaluate and a third of cases are missed -leading to avoidable life-long blindness. Screeners currently use a bright torch (ophthalmoscope) to detect the red reflex, a reddish reflection from the back of the eye similar to the “red eye” in a flash photo. But this can be difficult, particularly in Asian and black babies due to eye pigmentation, and it may not be possible to get a second opinion easily. A promising new digital camera designed specifically to meet this clinical need is being developed and tested in the UK at the moment.
​
​
Dr Louise Allen, was frustrated at the number of cataracts being missed at screening or misdiagnosed, putting parents through needless worry. So she invented the Neocam.
The Neocam is a no contact, hand-held, device that is easy for maternity staff to use and the digital images taken can be shared with other experts for a second opinion, even if they are miles away.
​
If cataracts are present at birth, surgery is needed within the first few months of life to prevent blindness.
**copyright