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Device combines low vision software with virtual reality
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CHICAGO – IrisVision Inc. introduced its low vision aid that may help reduce the number of devices patients need to use, according to a company representative.
Tom Perski, vice president of professional and consumer outreach, said at a press conference sponsored by the American Academy of Optometry that IrisVision has seen “quite a bit of success with patients with 20/200 and 20/400 vision.”
He noted that he has Stargardt’s disease and can see 20/40 through the device.
According to the company’s website, IrisVision is an FDA-registered class 1 medical device that combines virtual reality technology from Samsung with custom software that was developed in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins optical clinic.
“People with low vision use six or seven devices on a daily basis,” Perski said. “We’re coming closer to being able to do many tasks with one device.”
He explained that the system uses a bubble.
“With low vision, when you magnify things you get a small field of view,” Perski said. “The bubble allows the wearer to keep context of 70 degrees. You can sit at a table and see faces and not lose context of where you’re at.
“If you’re playing cards, you can zoom in,” he added.
The company’s website said IrisVision is intuitive and customizable, allowing wearers to watch TV and read books. – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO
Disclosure: Perski is vice president of professional and consumer outreach for IrisVision Inc.