WO2020157687A1 - An apparatus for ophthalmic diagnosis - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for ophthalmic diagnosis is disclosed. The apparatus includes a slit lamp which includes an illumination column which includes an illumination optics configured to focus a light beam emitted from the illumination column towards a patient's eye by integrating a plurality of illumination methods; an observation subsystem a detachable lens of a predetermined optical power to enable fundus capturing ability by creating a wider field of view, an observation unit placed at a predefined distance from the lens and located on a horizontal support structure which includes a curved slot, wherein the curved slot is adapted to receive an observation unit holder to hold the observation unit, to enable horizontal movement of the observation unit for aligning the observation unit with the lens for enabling capturing of the at least two images for anterior segment ophthalmic diagnosis; and with the detachable lens for fundus imaging.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR OPHTHALMIC DIAGNOSIS

This International Application claims priority from a provisional patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 201941003637, filed on January 30, 2019 and titled“A PORTABLE SLIT LAMP”

BACKGROUND

Embodiment of a present disclosure relates to a medical device and more particularly to an apparatus for ophthalmic diagnosis of the patients.

A method of ophthalmic examination is observation of optically reflected ocular images as a diagnostic tool in the identification of trachomatous scarring, cataracts, injuries or bacterial and viral infections or any abnormalities. Such images are captured using slit-lamps to provide a narrow beam of light of elongated slit-shaped cross-section which is projected onto the cornea to study the surface characteristics. Traditional slit-lamp instruments are generally available in fixed and bulky installations in clinics. Also, such instruments present a problem in monitoring the eye health of populations in more sparsely populated and remote regions. Also, traditional photo slit lamps requires a trained ophthalmic photographer or an optometrist to capture area of interest as advised by a skilled person. Not only this, such traditional photo slit lamp instruments are even more expensive. Furthermore, with advancement in technology, portable slit lamps are introduced in the market. Such portable slit lamps are used mainly in examining paediatric and bed bound patients who cannot reach the traditional slit lamp. Also, in case of traditional slit lamps live observations are made by a trained, qualified and highly skilled ophthalmologist or a trained optometrist on a slit lamp. However, the currently available portable slit lamps are less bulky than traditional slit lamps. They are binocular and the examiner has to move very close to the patient. They need highly trained personnel to operate and interpret the view in real time.

Hence, there exist a need for an improved apparatus for an ophthalmic diagnosis to address the aforementioned issue(s). BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for ophthalmic diagnosis is disclosed. The apparatus includes a slit lamp. The slit lamp includes an illumination column which includes an illumination optics, wherein the illumination optics is configured to focus a light beam emitted from the illumination source towards a patient’s eye by integrating a plurality of illumination methods. The slit lamp also includes an observation subsystem operatively coupled to the illumination column. The observation subsystem includes a lens of a predetermined optical power, wherein the lens of the predetermined optical power is configured to enable fundus capturing ability by creating a wider field of view based on manipulation of at least two images captured using an image capturing device upon focusing the light beam. The observation subsystem also includes an observation unit placed at a predefined distance from the lens. The observation unit is located on a horizontal support structure which includes a curved slot, wherein the curved slot is adapted to receive an observation unit holder coupled with two pulleys. The observation unit holder is configured to hold the observation unit. The curved slot is configured to enable horizontal movement of the observation unit for aligning the observation unit with the lens of the predetermined optical power for enabling capturing of the at least two images from one or more angles for anterior segment ophthalmic diagnosis in conjunction with the lens for fundus imaging.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for ophthalmic diagnosis in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for ophthalmic diagnosis of FIG.l in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a horizontal support structure of an apparatus for ophthalmic diagnosis of FIG.1 in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an observation unit holder of an apparatus for ophthalmic diagnosis of FIG.l in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic representation of a side view of an apparatus for ophthalmic diagnosis of FIG.1 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure. The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms“a”, “an”, and“the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for an ophthalmic diagnosis. The apparatus includes a slit lamp. The slit lamp includes an illumination column which includes an illumination optics, wherein the illumination optics is configured to focus a light beam emitted from the illumination source towards a patient’s eye by integrating a plurality of illumination methods. The slit lamp also includes an observation subsystem operatively coupled to the illumination column. The observation subsystem includes a lens of a predetermined optical power, wherein the lens of the predetermined optical power is configured to enable fundus capturing ability by creating a wider field of view based on manipulation of at least two images captured using an image capturing device upon focusing the light beam. The observation subsystem also includes an observation unit placed at a predefined distance from the lens. The observation unit is located on a horizontal support structure which includes a curved slot, wherein the curved slot is adapted to receive an observation unit holder coupled with two pulleys. The observation unit holder is configured to hold the observation unit. The curved slot is configured to enable horizontal movement of the observation unit for aligning the observation unit with the lens of the predetermined optical power for enabling capturing of the at least two images for one or more angles for anterior segment ophthalmic diagnosis in conjunction with the lens for fundus imaging.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus (100) for an ophthalmic diagnosis in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus (100) includes a slit lamp (110). The slit lamp (110) includes an illumination column (120) which i ncl udc -i 11 u m i n at i o n optics, wherein the illumination optics is configured to focus a light beam emitted from the illumination source (120) towards a patient’s eye by integrating a plurality of illumination methods. The illumination column (120) is separated from an observation arm (130) so that the plurality of illumination methods may be employed by swinging it around a centre of rotation of the apparatus (100). The light beam and an observation path are parfocal. In the current embodiment, the observation system (130) is motorised to move on an arc. In one embodiment, the illumination column (120) may be motorised to move on an arc. In another embodiment, either the observation or illumination systems may be moved manually. In some embodiment, one or more filters and apertures are inserted along the illumination path to vary size and width of illumination and colour of filters like cobalt blue, heat absorption and red free filters. In a specific embodiment, a first or a second surface mirror or a prism may be used to reflect the illumination path to the eye. In one embodiment, the illumination optics may include an illumination source, a pair of condenser lens, a slit, a pair of projection lens, and an optical device. In such embodiment, the optical device may include a prism or a mirror. In some embodiment, the illumination source may include a light emitting diode (LED) source of 1W-5W power. In one embodiment, the plurality of illumination methods may include a Koehler illumination or a diffuse illumination.

The light beam is collected by the condenser lens and the image of the LED chip is formed within a pair of objective lenses of illumination. A wheel of several slits of various sizes are inserted in front of the LED source at such a position that the image of the slit is formed on the patient’s eye. The image of LED is defocused whereas the image of the slit will have sharp edges. The optical device used herein, directs the light towards the eye. A suitable heat sink is used to keep the junctional temperature under the desirable level. In another embodiment, a secondary LED source may be utilised to collect rays of the light beam and focus such collected rays on an objective of illumination. In yet another embodiment, the illumination optics may include a LED source of an electronic device. In such embodiment, the illumination optics collect the rays and a prism, or a mirror direct the collected rays of the light beam on the patient’s eye. Here, illuminating and emerging rays are focused/ directed towards a same area of interest. The slit lamp (110) also includes an observation subsystem (130) operatively coupled to the illumination column (120). The observation subsystem (130) includes a lens (132) of a predetermined optical power located at a predefined distance from an observation unit. The lens (132) of the predetermined optical power is configured to enable fundus capturing ability by creating a wider field of view based on manipulation of at least two images captured using an image capturing device upon focusing the light beam. In one embodiment, the lens of the predefined optical power may include 90 dioptre (D) lens or a similar lens. In some embodiments, the image capturing device may be configured to capture at least two images or a video of the patient’s eye, upon focussing the light beam, and generates a sense of depth due to an optical phenomenon.

In one embodiment, the observation subsystem (130) may include an objective lens positioned at a predetermined position from the patient’s eye prevent smearing of this 90 D or a similar lens which is used for fundus photography. The object is focused into an intermediate image by a combination of lenses. The intermediate image is imaged on the electronic device’s sensor by a combination of a plurality of lenses and the optics of the electronic device. The image capturing device uses the optics along with the objective and eye pieces to create a sharp image on the sensor of the electronic device. Since the optics of good electronic devices are enabled with optical image stabilisation, the electronic devices mechanically tilts to compensate for shakes to create a sharp image on the optical sensor. The CMOS sensor of electronic device is positioned at a predetermined distance from electronic device optics by its manufacturer. Each pixel of the sensor converts the photonic data of this image into digital data. The digital data is then processed by its processing system to create an image on the display interface of the electronic device. The observation subsystem (130) also includes an observation unit (135) which is placed at a predefined distance from the lens (132) and located on a horizontal support structure (136) coupled to a hand grab. The horizontal support structure (136) includes a curved slot (137), wherein the curved slot is adapted to receive an observation unit holder (138) coupled with two pulleys. The curved slot (137) is also coupled with a rack and pinion arrangement for motorised movement of the observation unit (135). The observation unit holder (138) is configured to hold the observation unit (135). The curved slot (137) which is configured to enable horizontal movement of the observation unit (135) aligning the observation unit (135) with the lens (132) of the predetermined optical power for observing the at least two images from one or more angles one or more angles for anterior segment ophthalmic diagnosis in conjunction with the lens (132) for fundus imaging.. The two pulleys (139) go inside a gap of the curved slot (137). The two pulleys (139) hold the observation unit holder (138) in place tightly so that the observation unit holder does not tilt backward or forward or sideways. The pulleys are mounted on base using an axle, wherein other end of the axle is closed using the observation unit holder (138). In one embodiment, the two pulleys may be put inside the gap by opening of a latch.

In one embodiment, the observation subsystem (130) also includes a display interface configured to generate an appearance of the at least two captured images or a video of the patient’s eye based on a combination of an optical sensor and a plurality of lenses of the electronic device. In such embodiment, a visual format of the captured images may include at least one of a video, an image or images or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the observation subsystem (130) also includes a processing subsystem configured to process and analyse the at least two captured images by performing a plurality of image calibration operations for an ophthalmological requirement for the ophthalmic diagnosis. The observation subsystem (130) captures the at least two images and/or video when the illumination column is moved across an eye of a patient. In a specific embodiment, the image capturing device, the display device and the processing subsystem may be located on an electronic device of the user. In some embodiment, the electronic device (140) may include but not limited to a mobile phone, a tablet and the like. The observation subsystem is configured to generate a sense of depth due to the optical phenomenon such as parallax, as a result of which a three-dimensional image of the eye is generated and captured by the image capturing device of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the illumination column may be kept stationary whereas the observation system may be moved across, thereby creating a sense of depth by the parallax with the help of smart phone/ computer/ sensor and microcomputer.

The processing subsystem (not shown in FIG.1) acquires at least two captured images, modify the at least two captured images by using the plurality of image calibration operations to generate a wide-angle view of the at least two captured images. In one embodiment, the plurality of image calibration operations may include a zoom in or zoom out operation based on predefined requirement to examine finer details of the patient’s eye. The processing subsystem is also configured to store at least two processed images in an image collection database hosted in a remote server. In such embodiment, the remote server may include a cloud server. In some embodiment, the at least two processed images stored in the remote server may be accessed and utilised by an examiner or a specialist at a remote location for the ophthalmic diagnosis. In one embodiment, at least one set of images/ video is stored locally and uploaded to remote location later.

In a preferred embodiment, the observation subsystem (130) may also include a user access module configured to verify credentials of at least one of a patient, a technician, the examiner or a specialist for capturing the at least two images of the eye and utilising the at least two captured images for the ophthalmic examination or diagnosis. In one embodiment, the slit lamp (110) also includes a motor operatively coupled to the illumination column (120) and or the observation subsystem (130), wherein the motor is configured to drive movement of the observation subsystem (130) along an arc to capture a three-dimensional image. In such embodiment, an extent and speed of the movement of the illumination column and or the observation subsystem may be controlled by a microcontroller. In another embodiment, the observation or illumination column of the slit lamp may also be moved manually. The observation subsystem (130) of the slit lamp (110) is coupled to a hand grab (145). This can be used for examination/ observational/ measurement instruments across various sectors.

In a specific embodiment, the apparatus (100) further includes a vertical column (not shown in FIG.l), wherein the vertical column includes a chinrest (not shown in FIG. 1). The chinrest is configured to provide support in positioning chin of the patient, wherein the chinrest includes one or more columns and one or more telescopic tubes. The vertical column also includes a forehead assembly operatively coupled to the chinrest, wherein the forehead assembly is configured to provide support in positing forehead of the patient. The chinrest and the forehead assembly (not shown in FIG. 1) are aligned with position of the slit lamp which further helps in proper capturing finer details of the patient’s eye. In one embodiment, the vertical column also includes a horizontal channel operatively coupled to the chinrest and the forehead assembly and a railing. The horizontal channel is configured to enable horizontal movement of the slit lamp on the railing coupled to the horizontal channel. The portable slit lamp (110) may be moved horizontally in relation to the chin rest along a channel attached to the chin rest- forehead support assembly. The horizonal channel (not shown in FIG.l) is attached to vertical columns of the chinrest at a predefined distance so that the illumination column and observation subsystem are mounted at the predetermined distance. The slit lamp is moved forward and backwards on railings/tubes attached to the horizontal channel. The railing includes a backward and forward railing which is attached to the forehead-chin rest and may be stowed away and locked.

In one embodiment, the apparatus (100) further includes a portable horizontal platform (not shown in FIG. 1) operatively coupled to the vertical column, wherein the portable horizontal platform is configured to provide a support to the vertical column. In some embodiment, the portable horizontal platform may include a table. In such embodiment, the portable horizontal platform may include a hand crank (not shown in FIG. 1) to vary height of the portable horizontal platform. The height of the portable horizontal platform may be lowered or elevated by using the hand crank. In some embodiment, the hand crank may operate based on a hydraulic or motor system. In one embodiment, the portable horizontal platform may also include a jack (not shown in FIG. l) configured to vary height of the slit lamp corresponding to the vertical column for enabling vertical movement. The jack rests on the portable horizontal platform and another end is in contact with the slit lamp base or a horizontal channel connecting forward- backward railings. In some embodiment the jack may be used to move the slit lamp (110) base sideward. The height of the slit lamp (110) is elevated or lowered corresponding to the chin rest by using the jack. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus (100) further includes a power supply unit (not shown in FIG. 1) configured to supply predefined amount of voltage to the illumination column throughout an illumination period for overcoming one or more power supply fluctuations. In some embodiment, the power supply unit may include a power source including but not limited to, batteries arranged in series and parallel to achieve adequate voltage and the duration of illumination without any fluctuations. The batteries may be activated by a switch provided on the portable slit lamp. In one embodiment, the portable slit lamp may be powered using rechargeable batteries. In another embodiment, the portable slit lamp may be connected in a wired manner to a power source. In yet another embodiment, a portable power bank may be used in powering all/ most of the electrical components, including but not limited to, the LEDs or the motor. The portable power bank not only reduces the cost but also provides adequate circuit protection and reduces the form factor.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus (100) for ophthalmic diagnosis of FIG.l in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus (100) includes a portable slit lamp (110) which may be mounted on a portable horizontal platform (105), wherein the portable slit lamp (110) is switched on. The portable slit lamp (110) includes an illumination column (120) and an observation arm (130).

For capturing anterior segment images of an eye of a patient, the portable slit lamp (110) is positioned from the patient’s eye at such a distance that a clear image is formed on the display of the electronic device (140). An object of interest is selected by locking it on the display. A capture button positioned on the display or at a convenient position on or around the portable slit lamp (110) triggers capture of images by the camera of the electronic device (140) as well as moving the illumination column or observation subsystem (130) across the eye. Such a process may be repeated by moving the portable slit lamp (110) forward for locking at a deeper level if deeper structures have to be imaged in detail. The images are displayed on the electronic device’ display interface such as a screen in real time and a 3D image may also be created. The anterior segment is the front portion of the eye that includes the structures in front of the vitreous humour: the cornea, anterior chamber, iris, ciliary body, and lens. The observation subsystem (130) of the slit lamp (110) is coupled to a hand grab (145).

For capturing images of the fundus, a similar procedure may be followed after positioning a 90D lens. The illumination column (120) is positioned at or just adjacent to the primary axis of the eye on either side. The still image or video of the fundus is captured from at least one angle. The captured images may be combined and displayed on the screen of the electronic device (130). The images of the anterior segment and fundus are shared to the server on cloud as soon as internet connectivity is established.

Also, the apparatus (100) includes a vertical column (150) wherein the vertical column includes a chinrest (155). The chinrest (155) provides support in positioning chin of the patient, wherein the chinrest (155) includes one or more columns and one or more telescopic tubes. The vertical column (150) also includes a forehead assembly (160) to provide support in positing forehead of the patient. The chinrest (155) and the forehead assembly (160) are aligned with position of the slit lamp (110) which further helps in proper capturing finer details of the patient’s eye. The forehead assembly (160) and the chinrest (155) are coupled to a horizontal channel enable horizontal movement of the slit lamp (110) and the railing (165) coupled to the horizontal channel (168) in a forward and a backward direction as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 depicts a schematic representation of a side view of an apparatus for ophthalmic diagnosis of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of a present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the portable horizontal platform (105) of the apparatus (100) also includes a hand crank (170) to calibrate height of the portable horizontal platform (105). The height of the portable horizontal platform (105) may be lowered or elevated by using the hand crank. For example, the hand crank (170) may operate based on a hydraulic or motor system. The portable horizontal platform (105) also includes a jack (175) which rests on the portable horizontal platform and another end is in contact with the slit lamp (110) base or a horizontal channel (168) connecting forward- backward railings (165) or a member that connects to the slit lamp. Here, the jack (175) may be used to move the slit lamp (110) base sideward and vertically. The height of the slit lamp (110) is elevated or lowered corresponding to the chin rest by using the jack (175). Further, a power supply unit of the apparatus (100) supplies predefined amount of voltage to the illumination column throughout an illumination period for overcoming one or more power supply fluctuations. The slit lamp (110) may be handheld also by grasping the hand grab for examining patients who cannot be positioned on the table. The slit lamp (110) can be placed on the forward- backward railings using clamps or tubes to provide better stability for the system. Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cost effective and more stable apparatus with ease of manoeuvrability for capturing images and videos of the eye of the patient in an ophthalmic clinic and gives a 3D experience to the viewer or ophthalmologist.

Moreover, the present disclosed apparatus does not always require highly skilled personnel with proper training and professional knowledge for capturing the images of the eye; rather may be used in medical camps, remote clinics managed by paramedical workers, emergency clinics and intensive care units (ICU).

Furthermore, the present disclosed apparatus is helpful for ophthalmologists to expand their practice to the periphery with the help of paramedics. In addition to, the present disclosed apparatus is also utilised in other equipment in ophthalmology such as fundus camera, auto refractometer, keratometer, tonometer and the like of different sectors.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An apparatus (100) for ophthalmic diagnosis comprising: a slit lamp (110), wherein the slit lamp (110) comprises: an illumination column (120) comprising an illumination optics configured to focus a light beam emitted from the illumination source (125) towards a patient’s eye by integrating a plurality of illumination methods; and an observation subsystem (130) operatively coupled to the illumination column (120), wherein the observation subsystem (130) comprises: a lens (132) of a predetermined optical power configured to enable fundus capturing ability by creating a wider field of view based on manipulation of at least two images captured using an image capturing device upon focusing the light beam; an observation unit (135) placed at a predefined distance from a detachable mount for the lens (132), wherein the observation unit (135) is located on a horizontal support structure (136) comprising a curved slot (137), wherein the curved slot (137) is adapted to receive an observation unit holder (138) coupled with two pulleys, wherein the observation unit holder (138) is configured to hold the observation unit (135), wherein the curved slot (137), being coupled with a rack and pinion arrangement for motorised movement of the observation unit (135), wherein the curved slot (137) is configured to enable horizontal movement of the observation unit (135) for aligning the observation unit (135) with the lens (132) of the predetermined optical power for observing the at least two images from one or more angles for anterior segment ophthalmic diagnosis in conjunction with the lens (132) for fundus imaging.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lens of the predefined optical power comprises 90 dioptre (D) lens or a similar lens.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the observation subsystem (130) comprises a processing subsystem configured to process and analyse the at least two captured images by performing a plurality of image calibration operations for an ophthalmologic al requirement for the ophthalmic diagnosis.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the observation subsystem (130) comprises a display interface configured to generate an appearance of the at least two captured images or a video of the patient’s eye based on a combination of an optical sensor and a plurality of lenses of an electronic device (140).

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a vertical column (150), wherein the vertical column (150) comprises a chinrest (155) configured to provide support in positioning chin of the patient, wherein the chinrest (155) comprises one or more columns and one or more telescopic tubes. 6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the vertical column

(150) comprises a forehead assembly (160) operatively coupled to the chinrest (155), wherein the forehead assembly (160) is configured to provide support in positing forehead of the patient.

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the vertical column (150) comprises a horizontal channel (168) configured to enable horizontal movement of the slit lamp (110) on the railing (165) coupled to the horizontal channel (168) in a forward and a backward direction.

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a portable horizontal platform (105) operatively coupled to the vertical column (150), wherein the portable horizontal platform (105) is configured to provide a support to the vertical column (150).

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a horizontal portable platform (105), wherein the horizontal portable platform (105) comprises a jack (175) configured to: vary height of the slit lamp (110) corresponding to the vertical column (150) for enabling vertical movement; enable a horizontal movement of the slit lamp (110) in forward and backward direction. 10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slit lamp (110) comprises a motor operatively coupled to the illumination column (120) and the observation subsystem (140), wherein the motor is configured to drive movement of the observation subsystem along an arc.