Measurements of the optical parameters of intraocular lenses (IOLs) used after cataract surgery are typically performed in specially designed artificial eye systems. These systems usually include an illuminator, an optical test, an eye phantom containing the measured IOL and an imaging system with a camera recording the test image.
In most artificial eye models used so far, the test object is assumed to be located at optical infinity relative to the measured IOL. While this approach is sufficient for the evaluation of monofocal lenses, the growing use of multifocal IOLs and lenses with extended depth of focus creates a need for more advanced systems that can simulate different object distances. Such an approach allows the image plane to remain fixed on the optical axis, more closely reflecting the conditions of natural vision.
In this seminar, Prof. Zbigniew Jaroszewicz and Narcyz Błocki, PhD, will present an artificial eye system that differs in functionality from currently available commercial and laboratory models. A key feature of the proposed design is the implementation of a distance simulator, enabling a more natural concept for measuring optical parameters. The system allows for comprehensive assessment of IOL performance, including resolving power as a function of defocus, modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements for near vision values in the range of 0–5D, optical power measurements and visual evaluation of USAF test images as a function of near vision settings.
The speakers will also discuss how the lens placement system ensures correct positioning automatically, and how the addition of a camera with a Hartmann–Shack sensor enables the analysis of IOL aberrations. Color filters further allow assessment of visual quality in diffractive IOLs. Two IOL eye phantoms will be presented: one designed in accordance with the European standard ISO 11979 and another that more closely resembles the structure of the human eye by incorporating an additional lens imitating the cornea. Results obtained for both monofocal and multifocal IOLs will be shown, including through-focus areas under the modulation transfer function (MTFA), through-focus point spread functions (PSF) and through-focus MTF values for selected spatial frequencies.
About the speaker
Prof. Zbigniew Jaroszewicz is a distinguished Polish researcher in optics and photonics associated with the National Institute of Telecommunications in Warsaw. His work covers diffractive and refractive optical elements, adaptive and visual optics, wavefront sensing and ophthalmic applications, including Light Sword Lens concepts for presbyopia correction and models of extended-depth-of-focus intraocular lenses.
He began his scientific career at the Institute of Telecommunications, worked for many years at the Institute of Applied Optics and rejoined the Institute of Telecommunications in 2004. From 2014 to 2018, he served as Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs. A member and vice-chair of the Institute’s Scientific Council for the 2025–2029 term, he is the author of hundreds of scientific publications. In 2024, he received the Polish Minister of Science and Higher Education Award for lifetime scientific achievement.
