Guidelines & FAQs

Uploading Images

What types of images is the Retina Image Bank® platform looking for?

Before you begin uploading, browse images in the bank to see what’s already been published. This will help you develop an idea of what types of images will best support the educational mission of the bank.

Examples of images you can submit include diagrams and figures illustrating retinal anatomy or clinical techniques, case series, and still ultrasound images. If your images include labels, arrows or other details for orientation, please leave them, as these will help maintain the educational nature of each image.

Who can upload images?

ASRS members are welcome to upload images using their credentials and logging in at www.asrs.org/imagebank. In addition, imaging professionals, researchers, industry contributors, and others may upload after contacting the ASRS main office for registration details. E-mail imagebank@asrs.org to request access and sign-in information. To upload a video, please follow the instructions here.

What types of files should I upload to the Retina Image Bank® platform?

Your images must be usable for web display, which means you will need to format your images as follows:

Save your images in .jpg or .png formats.
Videos can be accepted in the following formats: mp4, m4v, wmv, and mov.
Image size should be no larger than 50 MB. Video sizes should not exceed 100 MB.
Scale height accordingly so that your images can be viewed properly.
File names must NOT contain patient identifying information.
Please name your image files with generic titles (example: Diabetic Retinopathy.jpg) or change the file names in our system once you have uploaded your images.

How do I label my images when uploading?

After you’ve uploaded 1 or more images, you’ll be taken to a screen asking you to describe and categorize. For the title field, choose a label that best describes the image (example: Macular Hole or Choroidal Osteoma). In the keyword field, add a minimum of 3 words or phrases that enhance the description of your image. As you begin to type a keyword, the system will offer suggestions based on a comprehensive keyword database, and if you do not find the keyword you're looking for, the system will record any words you want to add.

In addition, in the description field, write a succinct description of the condition or disease represented in the image, keeping in mind the educational nature of the image bank. The more information you can include, the more useful your contributions will be, but do not include any patient-identifying details.

How long after upload will it take for my images to appear in the Retina Image Bank® platform?

Led by Curator Dr. Manish Nagpal, the Retina Image Bank® website's team will review all images before they are made visible on the site. Upon submission, your images and descriptions will be reviewed and approved. If the team needs more information about your submission, you may be asked to provide it, and images that are inappropriate for the bank and its educational mission will be rejected.

Most images will be approved within a week. The best way to help move your images through review is to provide accurate detail and keywords when uploading.

Can I upload images that have been previously published elsewhere?

No. Please upload superior outtakes of any previously published images.

How will the images be used?

Content housed in the Retina Image Bank® website will be viewable by anyone who wishes to study high-quality retinal images. When the ASRS allows downloads, ASRS members will be able to download images for use as educational tools. Later, downloads will be available to non-member fellows, residents, patients, media representatives, and the public at large. These non-members will be able to download images after registering and agreeing to the Visitor Terms of Use.

How else might my images be used?

When uploading you give the ASRS permission to use your images in the Retina Times journal, the Retina FYI newsletter, and educational materials. You will be advised if your images are chosen to be featured in any other products.

Downloading Images

Who can download an image?

ASRS members and ASRS affiliates are allowed to download up to 10 images free of charge with each login, but this permission comes with the following stipulations: 1) the copyright notice (below) must appear with all uses, 2) use of images and written content from the image bank is for informational and non-commercial use only and will not be made publicly available, copied, or posted on any network computer or broadcast in any media, and 3) no modifications of images or written content are made.

Copyright notice: “This image was originally published in the Retina Image Bank® website. Author. Photographer. Title. Retina Image Bank. Year; Image Number. © the American Society of Retina Specialists."

Non-ASRS members and the public at large are allowed to download three images per login free of charge after registering their demographic and contact information. Non-members must agree to the Visitor Terms of Use.

General Use FAQs

Who will use the images and other media in the Retina Image Bank® platform?

The image bank is open to both ASRS members and non-members, allowing everyone to access and view images, video, and other media.

Who owns images in the Retina Image Bank® platform?

The ASRS owns all images and other media housed in the Retina Image Bank® website. The Retina Image Bank® website is a copyrighted and protected work that cannot be duplicated in any way. Individual images carry a watermark indicating they come from a copyrighted collection.

What is an electronic watermark?

An electronic watermark ensures that each image is identified as having come from the copyrighted collection of the Retina Image Bank® website.

What about other media?

The Retina Image Bank® platform is intended to be a multi-media platform that also includes video and will include PowerPoint presentations. For now, the program is concentrating on images and videos only. When we are able to accept other media, we will send out a notification to ASRS members.

How will the Retina Image Bank protect patient privacy?

The American Society of Retina Specialists is committed to patient confidentiality.
Read the Retina Image Bank Privacy Policy.

Editorial Board

The Curator and Editorial Board of the Retina Image Bank are responsible for enhancing the quality and usefulness of the site. They will contribute images, review uploaded content, suggest keywords, and grade content of images prior to release for public viewing. Members of the Editorial Board have been selected for their expertise in retinal disease and imaging, as well as their commitment to the growth and success of this innovative platform.

Feedback & Support

Comments or questions regarding the Retina Image Bank® website may be directed to imagebank@asrs.org or the ASRS main office at (312) 578-8760.