Low Vision

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.

NEW ORLEANS — 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.

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.

OnPoint Vision has announced FDA investigational device exemption approval for its AccuraSee device, according to a press release.

NEW ORLEANS — Visually impaired adults may benefit from training in using a magnifier for prolonged reading, according to Ava Bittner, OD, PhD, FAAO, from the UCLA Stein Eye Institute, who presented at Academy ’23.

According to the Optometrists Network, one in six adults older than 45 years and one in four older than 75 has low vision, which can affect one’s ability to perform multiple tasks such as reading, driving and viewing TV or computer screens.

NEW ORLEANS — A survey assessing accessibility to an eye clinic for people with visual impairment showed that there is still a need for improvement in terms of building design.

NEW ORLEANS — Low-vision services can improve visual function and vision-related quality of life in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, significantly reducing their visual disability.

Nearly 75% of patients with visual acuity of 20/200 or worse were never referred for low vision services, an outcome possibly driven by perception of rehabilitative care, according to data published in Optometry and Vision Science.

Researchers have developed a step-by-step calculation procedure to determine the appropriate digital reading display for individuals with low vision, according to a study published in Optometry and Vision Science.