This is a clinical trial involving an experimental and control group to determine whether visually impaired patients prefer the Horizontal Light Path Vision Enhancing System (HLP-VES) over a comparable convential bioptic telescope system currently available. The experimental design will address factors of appearance, weight and field of view which have been shown to be important factors for the enhanced acceptance of such bioptic telescope low-vision devices. The HLP-VES is a departure from conventional low vision aids in that its option are arranged across the front of an eyeglass frame rather than protruding outward and forward, which adversely affects both appearance and weight. The controlled clinical trial will be run as a 4-8 month double crossover study at three clinical sites. The study will select and follow a cohort of 120 adults with low vision who either (a) currently use an existing device or (b) are candidates for such a device. The study will also serve to identify factors which will enhance the design and performance of the HLP-VES device.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44EY006248-03
Application #
3507621
Study Section
(SSS)
Project Start
1987-09-01
Project End
1991-02-28
Budget Start
1988-09-01
Budget End
1991-02-28
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Ocutech, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Chapel Hill
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27514
Greene, H A; Pekar, J; Brilliant, R et al. (1993) Use of spectacle mounted telescope systems by the visually impaired. J Am Optom Assoc 64:507-13
Greene, H A; Pekar, J; Brilliant, R et al. (1991) The Ocutech Vision Enhancing System (VES): utilization and preference study. J Am Optom Assoc 62:19-26