How to capture images and video of your eyes

Photos and videos are important for assessment in telemedicine. Everything must be focused so details of the eye can be clearly assessed. Please follow these directions. If necessary, we will ask for specific images.

Photos

Directions on how to get an ideal photo of your eye:

You will need a mirror and your smart phone.

1. Stand in front of a clean, clear bathroom mirror.
2. The room lights should be on.
3. Open your smart phone’s photo app and set to use the phone’s back camera.
4. In photo mode, turn on (not auto) the camera flash and zoom in to 2-2.5x.
5. Point the phone’s back camera at your eye (this is not selfie mode), with the display facing the mirror.
   1. To photograph your right eye, hold the phone in your right hand.
   2. To photograph your left eye, hold the phone in your left hand.
6. Turn your phone horizontally and place your finger or thumb on the volume button.
7. Make sure your hand or phone are not obstructing your view of the phone’s display with your fellow eye.
8. Look in the mirror at the reflection of your phone’s display to line up the eye so it is in the center of the display and the eye fills the frame.
9. Hold the camera lens about 4 inches away from your eye.
10. Then take the picture by pressing the volume button on the phone or by pressing the button on the screen.
11. Take a picture of each eye separately.

It is EXTREMELY important to have good focus. Only focused images are helpful. Blurred images cannot be analyzed. If your pictures appear blurry, ensure that the camera lens on the back of the phone is not dirty, and that you are not holding the phone too close to your eye. The eye should be centered in the picture and no shadows should cover the eye.

Take a few pictures. A straight on image is required.

• Direction of gaze
  • Straight (required)
    • The entire colored potion of the eye should be visible.
  • Up (hold your lower lid down while looking up)
  • Down (hold your upper lid up while looking down)
  • Left with the eye open wide
  • Right with the eye open wide
  • Straight with the eye open wide
  • Eye gently closed

Video

Video can be helpful but only if it is shot in HD. Everything must be in focus. The eye should be centered in frame and no shadows should cover the eye. If needed, we will ask for specific types of video.

Directions on how to get an ideal video of your eye:

1. Stand in front of a clean, clear bathroom mirror.
2. The room lights should be on.
3. Open your smart phone’s photo app and set to use the phone’s back camera.
4. In video mode, turn on (not auto) the camera flash and zoom in to 2-2.5x.
5. Point the phone’s back camera at your eye (this is not selfie mode), with the display facing the mirror.
   1. To video your right eye, hold the phone in your right hand.
   2. To video your left eye, hold the phone in your left hand.
6. Turn your phone horizontally and place your finger or thumb on the volume button.
7. Make sure your hand or phone are not obstructing your view with the fellow eye.
8. Look in the mirror at the reflection of your phone’s display to line up the eye so it is in the center of the display and the eye fills the frame.
9. Hold the camera lens about 4 inches away from your eye
10. Then take the video by pressing the volume button on the phone. This is easier than trying to press the button on the screen.
11. Take a video of each eye separately.
12. The video should be less than 10 seconds.

It is EXTREMELY important to have good focus. Only focused videos are helpful. Blurry video cannot be analyzed. If your video appears blurry, ensure that the camera lens on the back of the phone is not dirty, and that you are not holding the phone too close to your eye. The eye should be centered in the frame and no shadows should cover the eye.

The video should contain several key features:

• Direction of gaze
  • Look straight and blink twice (required)
    • Open wide (the entire colored portion of the eye should be visible)
  • Look up and blink twice
    • While looking up, pull down your lower lid
  • Look down
    • While looking down, pull up your upper lid
  • Look left and open your eye wide
  • Look right and open your eye wide
  • Gently close your eye

How to test your vision

Accurate visual acuity is important for assessment in telemedicine. Prior to your exam your doctor will specify how they would like you to check your vision, whether with contact lenses or glasses. Please follow these directions.

1. You will need two devices (a smart phone and laptop/tablet), both with internet connection, to perform vision testing at home. You will also need a room with 10 feet of space.
2. Download the EyecareLive app on your smartphone.
3. Sign up for the app (it is free), then open the app.
4. Select the eye tests options then select start vision test.
5. On the app, select whether you are wearing contact lenses or glasses, if you do not wear, or were asked not to wear, glasses or contact lenses, then select none.
6. On your laptop open your browser and go to https://doctors.eyecarelive.com/testmyvision/#/vision
7. On the website select “start your eye test.” (There is an instructional video on the website if needed.)
8. Using the EyecareLive app on your smartphone, scan the QR code on the computer screen.
9. Follow the directions on the app.
10. If your phone has augmented reality capability the app will help you measure a 10-foot distance
    1. When walking backward toward the 10 feet it is important to hold your smartphone close to your body, at your hip, with the camera facing down​ at the floor. This will help ensure an accurate distance.
    2. Once you reach 10 feet, the app will beep. Stay at that distance.
11. If your phone does not have augmented reality capability, you will need a tape measure to measure a 10-foot testing distance.
    1. Mark the floor at 10 feet and place the front of your ankle at the mark.
12. Follow the instructions on the app, covering each eye as directed.
    1. Gently rest the palm of your hand over your eye. Do not apply pressure to the eye.
13. When you complete the vision test, take a screenshot of your results to submit to your doctor