Review of New Low Vision Technology for Eye Care Professionals

Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective: This study was conducted to review and educate eye care professionals about new advances in low vision technology for management visually impaired patients Background: Low vision is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. that affects 3.8 million people. Low vision patients have a significantly decreased quality of life and ability to perform daily life activities. The leading causes of vision impairment in the U.S. include AMD, cataracts, and glaucoma. New advances in low vision technology improve mobility, safety, ability to perform daily life activities and overall quality of life of visually impaired patients. Eye care physicians should be up to date with the new developments in low vision technology to provide quality care to visually impaired patients. Methods: For this study, we reviewed novel low vision devices in the following categories: orientation and mobility, wearable electronic magnification, and optical character recognition. Features, advantages, disadvantages, cost, appropriate use, prescribing and fitting recommendations for the said devices will be discussed. Results: We found that new low vision technology improves patients’ mobility, safety, independence, ability to perform daily life activities, and overall quality of life. Novel orientation and mobility technology includes Sunu Band, a sonar wrist band to be used with white cane, and AIRA, wearable smart glasses with real-time life navigation support platform. Sunu Band and AIRA improve patients’ safety, mobility, and independence. Jordy and ESight are electronic wearable technology magnification devices for distance, intermediate, and near that improve patients’ reading function, distance identification, ability to perform activities of daily living. Optical character recognition (OCR) technology is life-changing technology for patient with severe visual impairment and visual acuity of hand motion/light perception. OCR device, OrCam, transmits information as text and speaks to patient via ear conduction device, thus, enabling patients to read printed materials as well as signage. Conclusion: Optometrists and other health care professionals should be familiar with new low vision technology for mobility, orientation, electronic magnification, and optical character recognition. New low vision devices improve safety, mobility, ability to perform daily life activities, and overall quality of life in visually impaired patients.