PhenoSys qOMR system for objective vision assessment in mice

PhenoSys introduces the qOMR (quantitative Optomotor Response) system, a fully automated platform for objective and reproducible assessment of visual function in mice. The product is designed to enable high-precision measurements of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity without the need for manual intervention or specialised operator training, for use in vision research and preclinical neurobehavioral studies.

The system quantifies the natural optomotor response (OMR) — a reflexive head-tracking movement elicited by moving visual stimuli to provide high-resolution data on visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and both spectral and temporal aspects of visual processing. By automating stimulus presentation and response detection, it eliminates human bias and inter-operator variability, producing consistent, reproducible datasets across laboratories.

Designed for diverse applications in visual neuroscience, the product allows precise phenotyping of visual deficits, evaluation of therapeutic interventions, and longitudinal tracking of disease progression in preclinical models of retinal degeneration, glaucoma or other ocular disorders. It is also suitable for rapid functional characterisation of new mouse strains or genetically modified lines.

The system employs an innovative, fully integrated hardware and software solution. A calibrated four-screen arena presents a virtual stimulation cylinder around an elevated central platform, allowing mice to respond naturally without restraint. Top and bottom mirrors create the perception of infinite depth, enhancing stimulus salience, while an infrared (IR) camera tracks head movements independently of coat colour. Adjustable IR illumination, anti-reflective protective screens, and a filter set for scotopic measurements enable precise recordings under both photopic and low-light conditions. Data acquisition, analysis and visualisation are managed through omrStudio software, providing robust computational performance with an intuitive user interface.

The system is an efficient tool for quantifying visual capabilities, detecting subtle functional impairments, and evaluating the effects of genetic or pharmacological interventions on visual circuits.