Visionize has developed a sophisticated wearable state of the art low vision aid by reprogramming a readily available low cost off the shelf Virtual Reality system. The device operates in three main modes: 1) The patient views the real world with adjustable magnification power and area within the overall scene. 2) The patient also has access to the full complement of digital media ranging from digital news and email to digital streaming media like Netflix and you tube. 3) The clinician has diagnostic capability via remote access to patient display and responses. The device is built from the Samsung Galaxy S7 phone, one of the most advanced on the market, inserted into a Samsung Gear VR headset. On the phone display the low vision user sees an enhanced version of the visual world tuned to specific visual deficit. The goal of this project is to refine the function of the device to a level where it can be successfully deployed to a population of test patients at the Johns Hopkins low vision clinic. Then the device will be further refined and enhanced through feedback from the patient population. The end goal is to develop a low vision aid with superior performance that can be distributed to a large low vision population worldwide at an affordable price.

Public Health Relevance

The project focuses upon the clinical testing, design development and implementation of a 3- function universal low vision device that will 1) allow the patient read, view TV, see at theater, sports events, recognize grandchildren, find supermarket items. 2) allow access to all digital media content including news and streaming video, and 3) perform remote clinical testing via internet. The device is built on a Virtual Reality platform, reprogrammed for low vision making it widely accessible, inexpensive, and continuously upgradeable to the latest technology. Design will be followed by full clinical evaluation with ?take home? devices.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44EY028077-03
Application #
9789331
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Wujek, Jerome R
Project Start
2017-09-30
Project End
2021-06-30
Budget Start
2019-07-01
Budget End
2021-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Visionize LLC
Department
Type
DUNS #
080185298
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94707
Deemer, Ashley D; Bradley, Christopher K; Ross, Nicole C et al. (2018) Low Vision Enhancement with Head-mounted Video Display Systems: Are We There Yet? Optom Vis Sci 95:694-703