about this project.
Photographing the back of the eye (the retina) is an important part of your visit to the eye hospital and uses the camera to the left.
The Optomap provides detailed images of the retina which is very helpful in explaining and showing you abnormalities that we might find. It is also helpful in planning and monitoring treatment.
This website has been created to show you how to build a model of the camera so you can practice the technique of looking through the eye piece at home before your visit to the eye hospital. We used an old box that contained A4 photocopier paper and a used coffee cup to create this.
tools you might need
We have tried to keep this as simple as possible so as long as you have a sharp knife, a blob of blue tack, glue and scissors you should be ready to go!
here’s one i made earlier!
So, lets get started!
First of all find a box that has a front surface area roughly A4 (21cm x 29.7cm) in size. We used a box that contained paper for our photocopier.
Take the lid off and turn the box upside down.
Place the bottom of the box upside down inside the lid.
Tilt the box at an angle so the back sits further inside the lid than the front.
Print out the photograph (to the left) of the face plate on to an A4 piece of paper.
Glue the A4 print to the front of the box.
Once the glue is dry, carefully cut around the black circle to create a hole.
Decorate the other sides of the box. We have used the Optos logo printed on an A4 sheet glued to the side but make it as creative as possible……
and you should end up with something like this!
Wash out a used coffee cup.
Measure the thickness of your smartphone and put two marks on the top of the cup.
Using the scissors carefully cut down by about 15mm on both sides of the cup.
This should created a gap for your phone to sit in.
You might need to make a small adjustment so the screen is leaning back slightly.
Place the blob of blue tack in the centre of the box lid.
Stick the cup to the blob of blue tack and place the phone on the cup. The blue tack should hold the cup in place.
Click on this link to view the first training film on your phone: https://youtu.be/m6CbyxGzhf4
or go on an adventure in space which introduces the technique of eye steering. https://youtu.be/tOPbzfm5rwE
Put the box back over the phone and you are ready to start practicing!
artwork for decorating your camera
Please print out the supplied artwork which features in the film to decorate your camera. The artwork for the film was kindly created by Sarah Lacey.
Please visit Sarah’s Instagram account to see more of her amazing work @lacey.sarah
or make your own space adventure!
and fly the Optomap through the galaxy to collect the lights.
if you would like to get in touch and send us a photo of your creations or just say hello please click here.
Eye Research Group Oxford – All rights reserved
Cardboard Optomap 