Q3D: Quantitative Three
Dot Device
Inventors: Carl Bassi, Michael Howe,
and Wayne Garver -UMSL
May 30, 2019

What is the problem?
• Despite our knowledge about
amblyopia it remains the
most common cause of
permanent vision impairment
in children with estimates of
2% – 3% of children in the US.
• If detected early enough
amblyopia can be treated.
However, it can sometimes be
difficult to recognize early
because the suppressed eye
can appear normal.
• Clearly a more sensitive
testing device for the
detection of visual suppression
is needed.
Presenters: Carl Bassi, PhD, and Tamara Wilgers

How does product/service solve problem?
• The Q3D provides a quantitative measure
of visual suppression by utilizing:
– LEDs capable of >3 log unit change intensity
– Pulse width modulated control of intensity
• Fast (<1 minute) to administer and simple
to operate and interpret
• Clinical trials has shown it to be superior
to the current “gold standard” (the Worth
4 dot test)
Presenters: Carl Bassi, PhD, and Tamara Wilgers

What is the market use?
The Q3D is a tool for amblyopia
assessments by:
• optometrists
• ophthalmologists
• technicians
Because the Q3D is quantitative and more
sensitive than current tests, it can:
• detect suppression earlier
• be used as a quantitative outcome
measure for treatments
Other potential applications include
assessment and monitoring optic neuritis
and TBI.
Presenters: Carl Bassi, PhD, and Tamara Wilgers

What competition exists?
Worth 4 Dot
The screening technology
currently on the market (Worth
4 Dot test) is a “blunt”
instrument that can only
measure suppression
qualitatively and only when
significant suppression is already
present, most often when it is
too late to prevent or reverse
the condition.
Presenters: Carl Bassi, PhD, and Tamara Wilgers

What is the status of the intellectual property?
US Patent #7,686,452 entitled
“Apparatus and Method for
Assessing Visual Suppression”
Canadian Patent #2676122
Claims cover the device, kits
including the device and filters, and
methods for determining depth of
visual suppression in a subject.
Presenters: Carl Bassi, PhD, and Tamara Wilgers

What is the stage of development?
3rd-Generation Prototype:
The inventors were awarded a $50,000 University
of Missouri System “FastTrack” award for the Q3D
project to fund improved form factor of the Q3D
device and optimization of the Q3D design to
improve reliability and reduce manufacturing cost
per device. Ten working prototypes with
hardware, software, CAD design and circuit design
documentation were produced.
Clinical Trials Completed
The Q3D has already been used in an initial pilot
study with 30 patients (at UMSL) and then in a
larger trial at St Louis University(>350 patients)
Cardinal Glennon Clinic with Oscar Cruz, M.D. and
Bradley Davitt, M.D.. The results indicated that the
Q3D was 4X as likely to find visual suppression as
the Worth 4 Dot test.
Presenters: Carl Bassi, PhD, and Tamara Wilgers

What is needed for further development?
The Q3D is nearly ready to come to market
with patent protection, near production
ready prototypes, and clinical trial
evaluation.
A commercial partner is needed for:
• final design issues for production
• FDA evaluation (initial evaluation has
determined that the device will likely be
FDA Class I exempt)
• manufacturing
• marketing/sales
Presenters: Carl Bassi, PhD, and Tamara Wilgers