Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – June 12, 2025: The global fundus cameras market is projected to grow from approximately US$ 374.9 million in 2024 to US$ 717.1 million by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. A key factor behind this growth is the increasing burden of eye-related diseases globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 billion people worldwide live with vision impairment, many of which are preventable or treatable. The rise in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, especially among ageing populations, continues to fuel demand for early-stage diagnostic tools like fundus cameras.
One of the most impactful developments is the growing use of fundus imaging in public health screening programs. Governments across several countries are integrating non-mydriatic fundus cameras into national diabetes and vision care initiatives. For example, Peru has implemented fundus screening in primary care centers under national health schemes. These efforts help expand access to ophthalmic diagnostics and support long-term market expansion. With vision loss linked to systemic conditions like diabetes, early detection through fundus photography is becoming a standard in preventive healthcare.
Tele-ophthalmology is also driving market growth by extending diagnostic services to underserved and rural areas. Fundus cameras, especially portable and smartphone-based models, are increasingly used in remote screening programs. These setups allow specialists to review retinal images remotely, supporting early diagnosis and treatment. WHO promotes such initiatives as vital to achieving universal eye care. As telemedicine infrastructure strengthens globally, demand for connected and compact imaging devices is expected to rise steadily.
Technological innovation has further lowered the cost and increased the usability of fundus cameras. New models are smaller, more affordable, and often integrated with digital platforms. This makes them ideal for point-of-care diagnostics and use in community settings. WHO acknowledges that such technology is essential for improving eye health services in low-resource environments. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is enhancing image analysis, enabling faster and more accurate diagnosis. AI-supported fundus image evaluation is now used in several screening tools approved by government bodies.
Reimbursement policies in developed markets also contribute to the sector’s positive outlook. For instance, in the United States, Medicare offers coverage for fundus photography in cases of diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. This policy encourages wider adoption among healthcare providers and validates the clinical utility of fundus imaging. When combined with AI capabilities and public health integration, reimbursement support creates a sustainable model for market expansion. As healthcare systems continue to modernize, the fundus camera sector is well-positioned for stable and long-term growth.
Key Takeaways
- In 2024, global fundus camera sales reached US$ 374.9 million, with a projected CAGR of 6.7% pushing it to US$ 717.1 million by 2033.
- Among product types, non-mydriatic fundus cameras led in 2023 with a 34.8% share, favored for their convenience in primary eye care settings.
- Tabletop fundus cameras dominated the modality segment, capturing 59.7% of the market due to their widespread use in hospitals and diagnostic centers.
- Hospitals represented the top end-user category, accounting for 36.9% of total market revenue, driven by high patient volumes and advanced imaging demand.
- North America led regional sales with a 45.5% market share in 2023, supported by well-developed healthcare systems and early adoption of diagnostic technologies.
Emerging Trends
- Growth in Portability and Handheld Devices: There is a strong trend toward handheld and smartphone-based fundus cameras. These devices are compact, affordable, and ideal for remote use. They help improve access to eye screening in underserved or rural areas. Portability allows healthcare providers to perform on-the-spot imaging during outreach programs. In addition, lower hardware costs make them suitable for clinics with limited budgets. This shift supports wider adoption in low- and middle-income countries. Handheld devices also reduce patient discomfort by allowing quicker and more flexible imaging. As a result, demand is increasing globally for these mobile solutions in both clinical and community settings.
- Rise of AI-Powered Diagnostics: Artificial intelligence is becoming a key feature in fundus imaging. AI systems can detect eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and pathological myopia with over 80% accuracy. These systems are trained on large datasets, often containing more than 20,000 retinal images. In 2024, the Optomed Aurora handheld fundus camera received FDA clearance. It uses autonomous AI to provide diagnostic results in less than one minute. This technology aims to serve over 500 million people who are at risk of vision-related conditions. AI integration helps reduce the burden on eye specialists and supports faster screening decisions.
- Advancement in Wide-Field and HDR Imaging: Fundus cameras are evolving to offer better image quality. New devices now provide a field of view between 101° and 190°, compared to the standard 45°–60° range. These wide-field systems allow for early detection of peripheral retinal issues. In addition, high-dynamic-range (HDR) imaging is being introduced to capture finer details, even in challenging lighting. This combination improves the accuracy of diagnoses and supports more effective disease monitoring. These technological improvements are particularly helpful in spotting signs of retinal detachment, tumors, and other subtle changes early. As a result, clinicians are moving toward advanced wide-angle systems.
- Maturity of Automated Tabletop Systems: Automated tabletop fundus cameras are gaining popularity in eye care settings. These systems require minimal user training and offer fast, consistent image capture. They are especially useful in high-volume clinics and hospitals where speed and reliability are critical. The automation reduces human error and allows technicians to focus on workflow efficiency. Some models now feature autofocus, auto-alignment, and automatic image capture. This simplifies screening and improves patient comfort. With increasing availability, these systems are also becoming more affordable. As technology matures, fully automated tabletop fundus cameras are expected to become standard in many ophthalmic practices.
Use Cases
- Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) Screening: AI-based screening tools are now being used to detect diabetic retinopathy. A dataset of 20,355 fundus images showed over 80% sensitivity and specificity in detecting DR. This shows strong accuracy in identifying patients needing treatment. In another example, a handheld system (Pegasus AI with Pictor Plus camera) achieved an AUC of 89.4% for detecting referable DR in 6,404 patients. These devices help screen patients in community settings where ophthalmologists are not always present. Standard non-mydriatic DR screening is usually done every 6 to 12 months. With AI, this process becomes faster, more accessible, and reliable for early intervention and prevention of vision loss.
- Tele‑ophthalmology and Remote Screening: Tele-ophthalmology programs are expanding access to eye screening in remote and underserved areas. In Ontario, Canada, a government-supported telemedicine program screened over 4,600 diabetic patients. It identified eye pathology in approximately 25% to 35% of those screened. This model avoids the need for hospital visits. In India, the KIDROP program in Chennai conducted over 6,339 imaging sessions for neonatal retinopathy. These remote screenings ensure that even rural newborns receive critical eye care. Such initiatives prove that tele-ophthalmology can effectively detect conditions early, reduce travel costs, and ensure that patients are referred for treatment on time.
- Multidisease Platform Screening: Fundus cameras are now used to detect more than just eye diseases. They are helping doctors assess high blood pressure changes, papilledema, and glaucoma. In some research, fundus images were also used to detect neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis and stroke risk. A large study on 11,388 patients used fundus imaging to estimate hemoglobin levels for anemia detection. The study achieved an AUC of 0.88, with an average hemoglobin error of just 0.63 g/dL. These findings support fundus photography as a low-cost, multi-use diagnostic tool. It can support public health programs by screening multiple diseases in a single exam.
- Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Other Pathologies: Smartphone-based fundus cameras are showing strong performance in detecting retinal diseases. In one clinical trial, a smartphone system achieved 81% sensitivity and 98% specificity in identifying macular edema. These results demonstrate that mobile technology can accurately detect serious eye conditions like AMD. It also shows potential in areas with limited access to standard ophthalmic equipment. The simplicity of smartphone fundus imaging allows for faster and wider screening in community clinics. This tool can support early diagnosis and treatment, helping reduce the risk of irreversible vision loss in ageing populations.
- Remote Primary Care Integration: Fundus imaging is being added to routine primary care settings such as diabetes and general health clinics. This helps detect eye diseases early without needing a specialist present. By including eye screening during regular check-ups, doctors can refer patients for treatment before symptoms worsen. This model saves time and prevents delays in care. It also improves long-term outcomes for patients with diabetes or other chronic conditions. Remote imaging solutions make screening easier and more scalable in both urban and rural healthcare settings. As a result, fundus cameras are becoming an essential part of primary care diagnostics.
Conclusion
The fundus cameras market is growing steadily due to the rising need for early eye disease detection and better access to eye care. Their use in public health programs, especially for conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, is expanding. Portable and AI-powered models are improving how and where screenings can be done, including in rural and primary care settings. Technological upgrades such as wide-field imaging and automation are making diagnosis faster and more accurate. As governments and healthcare providers focus on preventive care and remote diagnostics, fundus cameras are becoming a vital part of global eye health systems. The market outlook remains positive with strong long-term potential.
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