I’m constantly amazed at what people can do with an iPhone and a little ingenuity. Researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory University have developed an accessory that turns an iPhone into an otoscope, one of those things doctors use to look in your ears for problems. They call it the Remotoscope.
It’s a clip-on attachment that goes over the iPhone’s camera lens and flash. This allows anyone to snap photos of a child’s ear canal. The accompanying app magnifies the image and sends it along to a pediatrician who can then study it remotely. Viruses or bacteria cause ear infections. The latter of which can be treated with antibiotics. Now the doctor can be kept up to date on the treatment and monitor the progress. This will cut down on unnecessary prescriptions and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Additionally, it can also be helpful in less developed parts of the world where cell coverage, due to industry, is very prevalent and medical care not so much. Cutting down on doctor visits, especially when the trip may be a long one will be a benefit to all.
The Remotoscope is currently going through clinical trials and researchers hope to publish the results by the end of the year. There is no timeline at present as to when customers might be able to get a hold of it.
[Emory University via Gizmodo]