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Abstract Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has revolutionized ophthalmic diagnosis as a non‐invasive, cross‐sectional imaging technique in the last 30 years and hence is one of the fastest adopted advanced imaging technologies in the history of medicine. A miniaturization of OCT devices would not only reduce size but ideally also reduce costs and therefore create potential new markets. OCT systems based on photonic integrated circuits (PIC) could enable a significant miniaturization of complex systems with high degree of integration as well as low costs of goods. These therefore have a potential to enable portable, cost‐effective, high performing, real handheld OCT devices. This review identifies three main categories towards miniaturized OCT devices: Handheld imaging probes interfaced to a (mobile) base station, compact home/self‐ OCT and PIC‐based OCT. Imaging performance parameters and technical readiness levels of the identified miniaturized OCT systems for (non‐) ophthalmic applications are presented. Special attention is paid to PIC‐based OCT applications and their progress. Picture: First in vivo human retinal tomogram using a PIC‐based subcomponent (arrayed waveguide grating, AWG) of a spectral domain OCT system. Adapted with permission from E. A. Rank et al., Light Sci Appl. 2021, 10, 1, CC By 4.0. Copyright © 2021, The Author(s).

Abstract The relatively fast translation of optical coherence tomography (OCT) from an optical measurement technology to a standard of care in ophthalmology was driven by its ability to address clear unmet diagnostic needs. OCT's further technological developments have expanded its clinical use by extending the imaging range (wider, deeper) and the imaging contrast (from morphology to blood flow). The translation of technical advances into clinical value is an ongoing process involving both the potential substitution of established diagnostics (such as fundus angiography) and the identification of novel feature‐disease correlations. This review looks into the development, the status and the prospects of OCT with regard to translation to clinical routine in ophthalmology.