Assistive technology sees major advances in 2023
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A number of articles on new assistive technology in optometry were featured on Healio this year, with AI-driven reading products and apps to assist people with low vision.
Read below for our top stories of 2023.
OrCam releases AI-driven reading device for people with visual impairment
OrCam Technologies has launched its OrCam Read 3, a device that uses artificial intelligence to read text aloud for people with vision loss and reading difficulties.
According to an OrCam press release, an estimated 253 million people worldwide have low vision or visual impairments. The handheld OrCam Read 3, which supports 17 different languages and is packaged with a next-generation magnifier and stand, can be used by individuals with mild to severe vison loss, those experiencing reading fatigue and people with neurological conditions that affect reading ability. Read more.
Assistive apps may boost visual ability in older adults with low vision
Visual assistive apps may be an important rehabilitation tool for older adults with low vision, according to Nicole Ross, OD, MSc, FAAO, from the New England College of Optometry, who presented at Academy ’23.
“Our main findings were that we find positive change scores in activity inventory that trend with the greatest change scores in the domains of reading, mobility and goals,” Ross said. Read more.
ReBokeh app redefines role of assistive technology for moderate vision impairment
The ReBokeh app uses the camera on an iPhone or iPad to modify visual settings and help individuals with moderate impairment see better, according to a presenter at Academy ’23.
“It’s a really good option for patients who have a lot of good, usable vision and maybe aren’t good candidates for dedicated assistive technology but need some extra help in their regular everyday lives,” Rebecca Rosenberg, MSE, founder and CEO of ReBokeh, told Healio. Read more.
EssilorLuxottica pairs hearing solution, prescription eye wear in new product
EssilorLuxottica is developing a new product that will embed high-quality hearing technology into prescription eyeglasses, the company announced in a press release.
“Our proprietary hardware and software, combined with our design and manufacturing capabilities, will enable us to pair hearing solutions and prescription glasses into one groundbreaking product and to bring it to market everywhere through our open network model,” Francesco Milleri, Essilor Luxottica CEO and chairman, and Paul du Saillant, the company’s deputy CEO, said in the release. “As we did in the vision space, we will be the first to remove the stigma of traditional hearing solutions, replacing it with comfort and style.” Read more.
Ocutrx launches OcuLenz AR/XR headset for people with advanced macular degeneration
Ocutrx Technologies has released its OcuLenz augmented reality/extended reality headset, which is designed to enhance visual clarity for people with advanced macular degeneration.
According to a company press release, the headset uses advanced pixel manipulation software to process real-world images and recreate them as an augmented reality display onto the user’s remaining good vision. OcuLenz compensates for central vision loss, characteristic of advanced macular degeneration, by shifting pixels to the user’s peripheral vision. Read more.
OrCam releases AI-driven reading device for people with visual impairment
OrCam Technologies has launched its OrCam Read 3, a device that uses artificial intelligence to read text aloud for people with vision loss and reading difficulties.
According to an OrCam press release, an estimated 253 million people worldwide have low vision or visual impairments. The handheld OrCam Read 3, which supports 17 different languages and is packaged with a next-generation magnifier and stand, can be used by individuals with mild to severe vison loss, those experiencing reading fatigue and people with neurological conditions that affect reading ability. Read more.