Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Method for Choosing a Portable Retinograph in Ophthalmological Clinical Practice

Abstract

The selection of portable retinographs has become a significant challenge in teleophthalmology and clinical services that depend on fast and accurate capture of fundus images. The wide variety of models available on the market, each with distinct technical and operational characteristics, requires a structured evaluation based on multiple criteria. This study aimed to apply the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to support multi-criteria decision-making in choosing the portable retinograph best suited to clinical practice needs. Criteria such as image quality, portability, battery life, cost, technical support, and compatibility with digital systems were defined. Based on the hierarchical structuring of the problem and the elaboration of paired comparison matrices, the relative weights of each criterion and the performance of the evaluated alternatives were calculated. The results objectively revealed the most appropriate model according to the priorities established by the experts. It was concluded that AHP proved to be effective, transparent, and replicable, making it a valuable tool for decision-making processes involving medical technology