Auto-aligning handheld OCT probe with real-time pupil tracking and motion compensation in three degrees of freedom

Handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) has potential for assessing and monitoring retinal disease in patients unable to cooperate with tabletop systems, such as infants and children. However, acquisition of consistent and repeatable data in these populations remains difficult, even with highly trained operators. Here we demonstrate a handheld OCT device capable of automatic alignment with the pupil to account for both subject and operator motion in three degrees of freedom. We validate our device for use in ongoing clinical studies in pediatric subjects. We believe our device has the potential to increase accessibility of OCT imaging in children and neonates.