Advanced Vision Research Articles

A Novel Image‐based Tool to Reunite Children With Their Families After Disasters

Reuniting children with their families after a disaster poses unique challenges. The objective was to pilot test the ability of a novel image-based tool to assist a parent in identifying a picture of his or her children. A previously developed image-based indexing and retrieval tool that employs two advanced vision search algorithms was used. One algorithm, Feature-Attribute-Matching, extracts facial features (skin color, eye color, and age) of a photograph and then matches according to parental input. The other algorithm, User-Feedback, allows parents to choose children on the screen that appear similar to theirs and then reprioritizes the images in the database. This was piloted in a convenience sample of parent-child pairs in a pediatric tertiary care hospital. A photograph of each participating child was added to a preexisting image database. A double-blind randomized crossover trial was performed to measure the percentage of database reviewed and time using the Feature-Attribute-Matching-plus-User-Feedback strategy or User-Feedback strategy only. Search results were compared to a theoretical random search. Afterward, parents completed a survey evaluating satisfaction. Fifty-one parent-child pairs completed the study. The Feature-Attribute-Matching-plus-User-Feedback strategy was superior to the User-Feedback strategy in decreasing the percentage of database reviewed (mean ± SD = 24.1 ± 20.1% vs. 35.6 ± 27.2%; mean difference = -11.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -21.5% to -1.4%; p = 0.03). Both were superior to the random search (p < 0.001). Time for both searches was similar despite fewer images reviewed in the Feature-Attribute-Matching-plus-User-Feedback strategy. Sixty-eight percent of parents were satisfied with the search and 87% felt that this tool would be very or extremely helpful in a disaster. This novel image-based reunification system reduced the number of images reviewed before parents identified their children. This technology could be further developed to assist future family reunifications in a disaster.

Vision in subjects with hyperawareness of afterimages and “visual snow”

AbstractPurpose Some patients complain of persisting visual noise, often described as “visual snow” (VS) and / or prolonged afterimages, but show no obvious clinical abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which the processing of different stimulus attributes remains normal in VS patients.Methods Seven VS patients and nine control subjects were examined. Advanced vision and optometric tests were used to assess visual acuity (VA), red / green (RG) and yellow / blue (YB) colour sensitivity, rapid flicker sensitivity, chromatic afterimage strength and duration and pupil response amplitudes and latencies to chromatic stimuli.Results The VS patients exhibited normal VA, colour and rapid flicker sensitivity and chromatic afterimage strength. Both controls and four of the VS patients exhibited pupil constrictions to the onset of the coloured stimulus, followed by recovery during the stimulus and a further constriction at stimulus offset, normally attributed to perception of chromatic afterimages (Prog.Brain Res. 144:243‐259, 2004). The pupil responses in three of the VS patients lacked the rapid recovery phase following the initial constriction to stimulus onset.Conclusion The absence of recovery following the initial constriction of the pupil in three of the VS patients deviates from normal responses and suggests the presence of a more sustained retinal afferent signal that drives the pupil response. The latter may be linked to differences in retinal processing of visual signals that cause the perception of visual snow when the coloured stimulus is viewed against a uniform background.

Application of 3D Stereo Visualization System in Virtual Architectural Design

The application of virtual reality in architectural design has been the focus of attention. But the true 3D sense of immersion is still a dream for the most designers and clients when they watch the computer screen. A new computer stereo vision imaging system was constructed to help us obtain 3D visual of architectures and the implementation process became easier. And the application of advanced three-dimensional vision technology offered a more scientific, more interesting means of display and human-computer interaction. By using 3D stereo vision imaging system, all designers and users can obtain 3D visual observation of virtual buildings and virtual environments with a good sense of immersion at any time and any place.

Assessment of a variable frame (polygonal) method to estimate corneal endothelial cell counts after corneal transplantation

To assess the agreement of the 'polygonal' variable frame cell count option on a confocal microscope after keratoplasty, with planimetry as the reference method. One hundred clear corneal grafts of 83 patients attending the cornea clinic at Gartnavel General Hospital in Glasgow underwent slit-scanning in vivoconfocal microscopy. Endothelial cell images were assessed with the Nidek Advanced Vision Information System (NAVIS), using the polygonal variable frame and the manual fixed-frame methods. Planimetry was used as the reference. The agreement between methods was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis. Planimetry provided a mean (± SD) endothelial cell density (ECD) of 1348 ± 726 cells/mm(2), a value that was very similar to that found by the polygonal method (1404 ± 784 cells/mm(2)). The fixed-frame method provided lower cell counts with a mean ECD of 1026 ± 610 cells/mm(2) (P<0.001). When compared with the reference ECD, the polygonal method overestimated the ECD only very slightly with a mean difference of 58 cells/mm(2) (limits of agreement, LoA, of -222 and 339 cells/mm(2)). Manual counting underestimated the ECD with a mean difference of -320 cells/mm(2) (LoA -814 and 173 cell/mm(2)). Following keratoplasty, endothelial cell counts with the NAVIS polygonal method are in good agreement with planimetry. The 'polygonal' option is proposed as the method of choice for clinical applications with this confocal microscope and a good compromise between reliability and ease of use.

An Eye on Visual Sensor Networks

Networks of visual sensors have recently emerged as a new type of sensor-based intelligent system, with performance and complexity challenges that go far beyond those of existing wireless sensor networks (WSN). For many years now, networks of cameras have been used for surveillance and security. These networked cameras, unable to process any data locally, would send their individual streams to a centralized location and rely upon human vision and cognition to detect events and anomalies. Advances in computational technologies have allowed for much improvement in the hardware of these systems, such as higher picture quality and motorization capabilities. However, only recently have there been attempts to integrate the latest research developments in human and computer vision into current sensor technologies. The ultimate goal of visual sensor network (VSN) designers is to enable the cameras (nodes) to perform more advanced vision tasks locally, in a fully automated way. When combined, these cameras would constitute an intelligent visual system capable of detecting not only objects within their range, but also the events created by these objects.

Coal flame characterization by means of digital image processing in a semi-industrial scale PF swirl burner

The potential of a new procedure of image processing for the characterization of a given combustion state through flame visualization is here presented and discussed. Experimental tests were carried out in a swirl-stabilized, semi-industrial scale burner of 500kWth. Using an advanced vision based system, flame images have been recorded and subsequently processed, obtaining both luminous and spectral parameters from the grey values registered by each individual pixel. The acquisition system is based on a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera of high-speed frame rate. The innovative nature of the analysis lies in the 2D distribution of statistical and oscillatory parameters which can be interpreted as a “fingerprint” of the flame condition. By this method, flame spatial characterization was achieved allowing the identification of areas with different luminous and oscillating patterns. Their evolution regarding primary air-to-fuel ratio was also studied. First results suggest changes on flame symmetry and oscillation regimen. Additionally, quantitative flame analysis through global values of selected parameters and regression studies were conducted in order to analyse their usefulness for the development of monitoring and control algorithms in the combustion facility.

Data Fusion in Application of Image Information

This paper presents a new look at meaning of metadata in applications using image information. Information potential of images is closely associated with the access to such data as internal and external orientation. It is also essential that advanced vision systems are characterized by individual sets of metadata like e.g. range-gated imaging technology. Linking data mentioned above offers synergetic effects. The camera range-gated imaging is getting functionalities characteristic of the radar and scanner 3D. Technology of augmented reality in connecting with the database offers the functionality of the autonomous guide to real world. Possible functionalities are of course a lot and they depend on the equipment configuration of applied sensor sets. Expressed deliberations about data fusion in vision information systems are based on research activity. Expressed issues concerning modeling, equipment configurations and model results of examinations, point on the great information potential available in advanced vision systems.

Effects of hypoxia on color vision with emphasis on the mesopic range

The ability to see clear images, to resolve fine spatial detail in faint objects, to see and appreciate small color differences, to discriminate motion direction and to detect rapidly flickering lights over a very large range of natural illumination is something we often take for granted. Good vision is our expectation, but as we grow older, we become aware of very gradual visual deficits that in some cases can lead to severe loss of vision. These deficits are often caused by changes in the optics of the eye and/or the retina. A normal supply of oxygen and nutrients to the retina is essential to maintain good vision, but when the supporting mechanisms fail, local hypoxia can trigger structural changes that affect normal vision. In this article, we review endogenous and exogenous factors that cause changes in the supply of oxygen to the eye and how these can affect color vision when oxygen demands vary with light adaptation level. We review the latest color vision assessment techniques and show how the level of retinal oxygenation can affect color vision in normal trichromats and in subjects with congenital color deficiencies. We also discuss acquired loss of color vision in relation to hypoxia and how it may soon become possible to use advanced vision and optometric tests to detect the earliest signs of disease that precede clinical diagnosis and to monitor disease progression and effectiveness of treatment. We explore how knowledge of normal differences between photopic and mesopic visual performance and the expected limits of normal variability as a function of age can help achieve this goal.

Corneal topographic changes after transconjunctival 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy

To evaluate the topographic changes of cornea after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with the 23-gauge- (23-G) transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) system within the first postoperative month. In this prospective study, corneal topographic changes were evaluated in 24 eyes of 24 patients who underwent PPV with the 23-G TSV system. All eyes underwent computer-assisted videokeratography using NAVIS (Nidek Advanced Vision Information System) software preoperatively and at the first day, first week, and first month postoperatively. The topographic parameters that were analyzed statistically were the average corneal power (ACP), corneal surface cylinder (CSC), surface asymmetry index (SAI), and surface regularity index (SRI). Mean induced astigmatism was estimated by vector analysis software. The Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. Mean ACP was 43.12±1.16 diopters (D) preoperatively and 42.88±1.44 D at first day (P=0.301), 43.04±1.14 D at first week (P=0.796), and 43.32±1.17 D at first month postoperatively (P=0.187). Mean CSC was 0.61±0.32 D preoperatively and 0.71±0.48 D at first day (P=0.918), 0.60±0.25 D at first week (P=0.826), and 0.70±0.33 D at first month postoperatively (P=0.414). Mean SAI was 0.12±0.05 preoperatively and 0.21±0.16 at first day (P=0.070), 0.15±0.06 at first week (P=0.176), and 0.16±0.09 at first month postoperatively (P=0.198). Mean SRI was 0.41±0.37 preoperatively and 1.05±0.41 at first day (P=0.001), 0.54±0.42 at first week (P=0.211), and 0.41±0.5 at first month postoperatively (P=0.861). Mean surgically induced astigmatism was 0.67±0.7 D at first day, 0.36±0.2 D at first week, and 0.33±0.17 D at first month postoperatively. Corneal surface and astigmatic changes were observed to be insignificant in the early postoperative period after PPV with the 23-G TSV system.

In vivo confocal microscopy of the corneal endothelium: comparison of three morphometry methods after corneal transplantation

The purpose of this study was to assess the endothelium of corneal grafts by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and to evaluate an automated endothelial software system in comparison with a manual cell count and planimetry. Overall, 40 corneal grafts (20 deep anterior lamellar keratoplasties (DALKs) and 20 penetrating keratoplasties (PKs)) were assessed by scanning-slit IVCM. The endothelial cell density (ECD) was estimated with the automated and the manual cell count method of the instrument's Nidek Advanced Vision Information System (NAVIS) software. The results were compared with planimetry as the reference method, and the agreement was assessed. The mean (±SD) automated ECD was 2278±524 cells/mm(2) (range 1167-3192 cells/mm(2)), whereas the manual cell count method gave significantly lower ECDs with a mean of 1213±677 cells/mm(2) (range 218-2440 cells/mm(2); P<0.001). The manual cell counts were also significantly lower than those by planimetry, with a mean ECD of 1617±813 cells/mm(2) (range 336-2941, P<0.001). Bland-Altman analyses indicated that the limits of agreement (LoA) between the automated and the planimetry method were -671 and +1992 cells/mm(2), whereas they were -1000 and +202 cells/mm(2) when comparing the manual cell counts with planimetry. Following keratoplasty, the NAVIS automated method is likely to overestimate endothelial cell counts due to oversegmenting of the cell domains. Automated ECDs are substantially higher than those by the manual counting method or planimetry. The differences are considerably larger post-keratoplasty than for normal corneas, and the methods should not be used interchangeably.

Modern optics in exceptionally preserved eyes of Early Cambrian arthropods from Australia

Despite the status of the eye as an "organ of extreme perfection", theory suggests that complex eyes can evolve very rapidly. The fossil record has, until now, been inadequate in providing insight into the early evolution of eyes during the initial radiation of many animal groups known as the Cambrian explosion. This is surprising because Cambrian Burgess-Shale-type deposits are replete with exquisitely preserved animals, especially arthropods, that possess eyes. However, with the exception of biomineralized trilobite eyes, virtually nothing is known about the details of their optical design. Here we report exceptionally preserved fossil eyes from the Early Cambrian (∼ 515 million years ago) Emu Bay Shale of South Australia, revealing that some of the earliest arthropods possessed highly advanced compound eyes, each with over 3,000 large ommatidial lenses and a specialized 'bright zone'. These are the oldest non-biomineralized eyes known in such detail, with preservation quality exceeding that found in the Burgess Shale and Chengjiang deposits. Non-biomineralized eyes of similar complexity are otherwise unknown until about 85 million years later. The arrangement and size of the lenses indicate that these eyes belonged to an active predator that was capable of seeing in low light. The eyes are more complex than those known from contemporaneous trilobites and are as advanced as those of many living forms. They provide further evidence that the Cambrian explosion involved rapid innovation in fine-scale anatomy as well as gross morphology, and are consistent with the concept that the development of advanced vision helped to drive this great evolutionary event.

Pilot, Prospective, Randomized, Double-masked, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial of an Omega-3 Supplement for Dry Eye

To investigate the potential effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid on lipid composition of meibum, aqueous tear evaporation, and tear volume in patients with dry eye. In a pilot, prospective, randomized, double-masked study, patients with dry eye received a daily dose of fish oil, containing 450 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid, 300 mg of docosahexaenoic acid, and 1000 mg of flaxseed oil (TheraTears Nutrition; Advanced Vision Research, Woburn, MA) for 90 days. There were 2 patient visits: baseline and final. At these visits, patients completed the ocular surface disease index to score subjective symptoms, and slit-lamp examinations, breakup time, corneal staining, Schirmer type I, fluorophotometry, evaporometry, and collection of meibomian gland secretion samples for lipid composition analysis were performed. A total of 36 patients with dry eye completed the study. At the end of the study, 70% of the patients became asymptomatic, whereas for the placebo group, 37% [corrected] of the symptomatic patients became asymptomatic. Schirmer testing and fluorophotometry suggested that the omega-3 supplement increased tear secretion. The lipid composition of the samples collected from the omega-3 group was found to be very similar to that from the placebo group. No trends between groups were seen for other objective parameters. Dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye showed no significant effect in meibum lipid composition or aqueous tear evaporation rate. On the other hand, the average tear production and tear volume was increased in the omega-3 group as indicated by both Schirmer testing and fluorophotometry.

Relationship between Cataract and Metabolic Syndrome among African Type 2 Diabetics

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence and risk diabetics factors of cataracts in type 2 diabetics. The association between advanced diabetic retinopathy, vision loss and cataracts was also investigated among patients with diabetic retinopathy. Methods: This was a community-based and analytic cross-sectional survey among 300 patients (males: 113, mean age: 58 ± 12 years). Results: One hundred forty patients (46.7%) had cataracts versus 95 patients (32%) with diabetic retinopathy (82 non proliferative and 13 proliferative). Male sex, maculopathy, smoking, total and abdominal obesity, aging, uncontrolled diabetes, longer duration and high socioeconomic status were the univariate risk factors of cataracts. Only total obesity was the strong, significant and independent determinant of cataracts. There was a significant association between cataracts and blindness in the total study population. Among patients with diabetic retinopathy, those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy were older and presented higher frequency of metabolic syndrome, blindness, visual impairment and cataracts than their counterparts with non proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In patients with diabetic retinopathy, only aging, total obesity, cataract, and smoking were individually and significantly associated with visual impairment. Conclusion: The prevalence of cataracts among these African type 2 diabetics was 46.7%. Total obesity was a strong independent determinant of the presence of cataracts. The removal of total obesity will contribute to prevent the risk of blindness due to cataracts among African type 2 diabetics.

Action Observation Treatment Improves Recovery of Postsurgical Orthopedic Patients: Evidence for a Top-Down Effect?

Bellelli G, Buccino G, Bernardini B, Padovani A, Trabucchi M. Action observation treatment improves recovery of postsurgical orthopedic patients: evidence for a top-down effect? Objective To assess whether action observation treatment (AOT) may also improve motor recovery in postsurgical orthopedic patients, in addition to conventional physiotherapy. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Department of rehabilitation. Participants Patients (N=60) admitted to our department postorthopedic surgery were randomly assigned to either a case (n=30) or control (n=30) group. Exclusion criteria were age 18 years or younger and 90 years or older, Mini-Mental State Examination score of 21 of 30 or lower, no ambulating order, advanced vision impairment, malignancy, pneumonia, or heart failure. Interventions All participants underwent conventional physiotherapy. In addition, patients in the case group were asked to observe video clips showing daily actions and to imitate them afterward. Patients in the control group were asked to observe video clips with no motor content and to execute the same actions as patients in the case group afterward. Participants were scored on functional scales at baseline and after treatment by a physician blinded to group assignment. Main Outcomes Measures Changes in FIM and Tinetti scale scores, and dependence on walking aids. Results At baseline, groups did not differ in clinical and functional scale scores. After treatment, patients in the case group scored better than patients in the control group (FIM total score, P=.02; FIM motor subscore, P=.001; Tinetti scale score, P=.04); patients in the case group were assigned more frequently to 1 crutch ( P=.01). Conclusions In addition to conventional physiotherapy, AOT is effective in the rehabilitation of postsurgical orthopedic patients. The present results strongly support top-down effects of this treatment in motor recovery, even in nonneurologic patients.

A Probabilistic Generative Approach to Invariant Visual Inference and Learning

Event Abstract Back to Event A Probabilistic Generative Approach to Invariant Visual Inference and Learning Zhenwen Dai1* and Jörg Lücke1 1 Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, FIAS, Germany Inference and learning from visual data is a challenging task because of noise and the data's ambiguity. The most advanced vision systems to date are the sensory visual circuitries of higher vertebrates. Although artificial approaches make continuous progress, they are for the majority of applications an unequal match to such biological systems so far. To understand and to rebuild biological systems, they have been modeled using approaches from artificial intelligence, artificial neural networks, and probabilistic models. In terms of how the problem of invariant recognition is approached, these models can coarsely be grouped into two classes: models that passively treat invariances (e.g., [1,2]) and models that actively address the typical transformation invariances of object identities (e.g., [3-6]). The former approaches are often feed-forward while the latter approaches are usually recurrent. In this work we study a probabilistic generative approach that explicitly addresses the translation invariance of objects in visual data. Object location is modeled using an explicit hidden variable while the object itself is encoded by a specific spatial combination of features. The hidden variable for object position corresponds in this respect to neural control units that were suggested as crucial computational elements in biological networks (e.g., [3,5,6]). The investigated generative model autonomously learns from unlabeled data with object identity and position. The data always contain the same object type at a random position and the back-ground of each data point is different. Note that such learning is a challenging task because it is initially difficult to infer the object position without knowledge about the object features, and without known object positions these features are difficult to infer. By using a probabilistic generative approach, we can nevertheless show that an object's feature combination can reliably be learned based on a maximum likelihood approach. We use expectation maximization (EM) to increase the data likelihood, which is similar, e.g., to approaches by Olshausen et. al. [3] or Williams and Titsias [7]. However, in contrast to these earlier studies we use vectorial features for image encoding and can robustly handle changing back-grounds. We demonstrate the algorithm using artificial and more realistic visual data.

Outcomes of Myopic LASIK With and Without NIDEK Active Torsion Error Correction

To compare refractive outcomes and higher order aberrations of eyes that underwent LASIK for myopia with astigmatism with or without active cyclotorsion error correction. This was a contralateral eye study of 48 eyes of 24 patients who underwent LASIK using the NIDEK Advanced Vision Excimer laser platform (NAVEX), treating one eye with active cyclotorsion error correction (TEC eyes) and the fellow eye without active cyclotorsion error correction (without TEC eyes). Postoperatively, the refractive outcomes, including postoperative astigmatism and higher order aberrations were compared between groups using the t test. A P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Three-month postoperative outcomes are presented. Preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent was -3.59+/-1.60 diopters (D) (range: -1.25 to -6.75 D) for the TEC group and -3.82+/-1.89 D (range: -1.38 to -8.63 D) for the without TEC group. No statistically significant differences were noted in postoperative visual acuity between groups (P>.05). The TEC eyes had statistically significant lower postoperative cylinder (0.28+/-0.27 D [range: 0 to -0.75 D] for the TEC group vs 0.49+/-0.30 D [range: 0 to -1.00 D] for the without TEC group; P=.02). A mean decrease in root-mean-square (RMS) of higher order aberration was noted in the TEC eyes, and a mean increase was noted in RMS of higher order aberration for the without TEC eyes at both 5- and 6-mm pupil diameters. The TEC eyes had statistically significantly lower RMS of higher order aberration (P<.01). Active torsion error correction with the NIDEK NAVEX platform statistically significantly increases the predictability of astigmatism correction and reduces the induction of higher order aberrations of eyes undergoing LASIK.

Intraocular Straylight and Contrast Sensitivity After Contralateral Wavefront-Guided LASIK and Wavefront-Guided PRK for Myopia

To compare intraocular straylight measurements and contrast sensitivity after wavefront-guided LASIK (WFG LASIK) in one eye and wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy (WFG PRK) in the fellow eye for myopia and myopic astigmatism correction. A prospective, randomized study of 22 eyes of 11 patients who underwent simultaneous WFG LASIK and WFG PRK (contralateral eye). Both groups were treated with the NIDEK Advanced Vision Excimer Laser System, and a microkeratome was used for flap creation in the WFG LASIK group. High and low contrast visual acuity, wavefront analysis, contrast sensitivity, and retinal straylight measurements were performed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. A third-generation straylight meter, C-Quant (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH), was used for measuring intraocular straylight. Twelve months postoperatively, mean uncorrected distance visual acuity was -0.06 +/- 0.07 logMAR in the WFG LASIK group and -0.10 +/- 0.10 logMAR in the WFG PRK group. Mean preoperative intraocular straylight was 0.94 +/- 0.12 logs for the WFG LASIK group and 0.96 +/- 0.11 logs for the WFG PRK group. After 12 months, the mean straylight value was 1.01 +/- 0.1 log s for the WFG LASIK group and 0.97 +/- 0.12 log s for the WFG PRK group. No difference was found between techniques after 12 months (P = .306). No significant difference in photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity between groups was noted. Intraocular straylight showed no statistically significant increase 1 year after WFG LASIK and WFG PRK. Higher order aberrations increased significantly after surgery for both groups. Nevertheless, WFG LASIK and WFG PRK yielded excellent visual acuity and contrast sensitivity performance without significant differences between techniques.

Bahrain 2009: NIDEK Presentations During the 10th Middle East African Council of Ophthalmology International Congress

Correspondence: Ayman N. Hashem, MD, FRCS, Magrabi Eye & Ear Hospital, PO Box 7344, Jeddah 21462, Saudi Arabia. Tel: 96 2636 5000; E-mail: ayman.nasr@magrabi.com.sa T his year’s supplement to the Journal of Refractive Surgery is an interesting compilation of articles comprised of actively solicited papers from authors worldwide and the 2009 NIDEK Advanced Vision Excimer Laser Platform (NAVEX) Seminar held in conjunction with the 10th Middle East African Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO) International Congress, which was held in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. The Kingdom of Bahrain was the fi rst country in the Persian Gulf to have oil wells, which resulted in largely replacing the traditional pearl industry of this country. In keeping with this pioneering spirit, the authors in this issue have addressed a number of topics that signify the process of change over time. For example, the traditional laser centration technique on the line of sight may not be optimal for all patients as presented by Okamoto and colleagues. Another example is the use of the OPDScan II/Station for the evaluation of phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) rather than traditional aberrometers as presented by Hashem and colleagues and Hamdi. Change also implies adaptability, a hallmark of NIDEK’s philosophy. NIDEK introduced NAVEX and over the past decade has incorporated a number of technologies to keep it a forerunner in the fi eld. Two examples are the incorporation of one of the fi rst active cyclotorsion error compensation modules in an excimer laser and a 1-KHz active eye tracker. With corneal topographic, aspheric, wavefront-guided, and fully prolate ablations, NIDEK remains a leader in the Middle East and worldwide for its diagnostic and therapeutic applications in vision correction. Traditionally, NIDEK has maintained a commitment to a dynamic and comprehensive education for its users by gathering surgeons worldwide to exchange ideas. This year’s meeting was no different, and practice patterns were realized to be similar regardless of region or country. In this issue, outcomes of topography-guided treatments (customized aspheric treatment [CATz]), wavefront-guided treatments (optical path difference customized aspheric treatment [OPDCAT]), and optimized aspheric transition zone treatments (OATz) are presented. Amoozadeh and colleagues report keratocyte density after LASIK and PRK using the Confoscan 3. Waring summarizes the clinical implications of recent technological additions to the CXIII and Quest excimer lasers in the form of increased accuracy of laser spot placement with the new 1-kHz infrared eye tracker, which provides the potential for attaining perfect customized corneal treatment. El Danasoury presents his experience with CATz in retreating highly irregular corneas. I would like to thank Rich Bains, consultant to NIDEK Co Ltd, for his professional contribution and initial edits of the original manuscripts. My sincerest appreciation to Alaa M. El Danasoury, MD, and Hamed M. Anwar, MD, for the spirit of teamwork and the support with this issue. Finally, I would especially like to thank George O. Waring III, MD, Editor-in-Chief, for inviting me to be the guest editor of this supplement. The articles included in this supplement, editorially reviewed by myself and Dr Waring, receive “S” pagination, indicating the commercial sponsorship of the non-peer reviewed suppplement.

A Microassembly System for the Flexible Assembly of Hybrid Robotic Mems Devices

This paper presents a full 6 DOF microassembly system that features a novel remote center of motion configuration paired with advanced vision and illumination modules, as well as innovative user interaction concepts. Even though the semi-automatic design is primarily focused on the assembly of 3D bio-microrobotic devices out of individual 2.5D MEMS components, it can be configured for a large variety of assembly tasks. A gripper exchange mechanism allows reaching for parts with dimensions ranging from 5–800 µm and a micro-fabricated platform featuring a special pattern provides a structured working area. The assembly of a miniature bio-microrobot is presented to demonstrate the dexterity and powerful features of this system. The underlying microassembly station combines multiple concepts for another step towards full manipulation automation in industrial and research applications.

The Creative Gaze: Doxiadis' discovery

This research uses vision as a methodological tool in order to highlight the relationship between vision and architecture as represented through Constantinos Doxiadis' dissertation which analyses architectural space in ancient Greece using a system of visual angles. This relationship designates Doxiadis' association with a broader philosophical environment of the European between-wars era where theories concerning the aesthetic dimension of vision are at the forefront. Doxiadis' dissertation as a characteristic paradigm of early modernism brings forth a certain conceptualisation of vision as an analytical and aesthetic tool used in architectural design. Nineteenth-century architectural theory advanced vision as the most important amongst other senses. Since Choisy's concept of the picturesque at the Acropolis there is a theoretical tradition about the way the observer understands architectural space through a series of successive perspective images. Architecture always deals with phenomena. Visual representation transfers the experience of the object when the actual object is absent.