High tech devices for low vision (ESIGHT, IRIS vision, ORCAM)

As technology advances, so too do the types of devices available to low vision patients. Several companies in particular offer particularly advanced devices for use by low vision patients.

Types of High-Tech Devices for Low Vision

These days, though the number of people with low vision has increased, there is an increasing variety of helpful, high-tech devices for low vision patients.

Low vision devices provide patients with increased magification and aid by focusing the light entering the eyes to areas less affected by whatever condition has caused their low vision. These conditions include macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Traumatic brain injuries can also lead to significant visual field reductions that require extra assistance.

Types of devices that are used for low vision include telescopes (such as telescopic lenses that can be added to glasses), specialized glasses such as E-scoops, prismatic glasses for reading, and magnifiers (which can be both stationary and portable.)

Companies Offering Quality Low Vision Aids

There are several brands which make high quality low vision aids that can be a great help to patients.

OrCam

OrCam produces cutting edge devices such as the MyEye, which is a wearable device that can help read text, recognize faces, and more, the OrCam Read, a handheld AI reader which can easily read lengthy text.

OrCam MyEye’s camera can be easily clipped onto your glasses, or, if you don’t wear glasses, you can get frames with your OrCam. Connected discretely to a power supply you can fit in your pocket, it has the aabiltiy to read words aloud to you through a small speaker next to your ear.

Its ability to read text in any setting, convey it to your ear, and its abiltiy to recognize faces, allows it to dramatically increase your quality of life despite low vision.

Both of these OrCam devices are now capable of being voice operated, for extra ease of use.

IRIS Vision

IRIS Vision makes use of the latest available technologies, from wearable mobile devices to augmented reality technology, to create devices, such as headsets, which provide low vision patients with increased vision assistance.

Utilizing a new, advanced, virtual reality headset, IRIS vision can, in effect, serve as your eyes. Featuring large screens, vivid color, a larger field of view than most other low vision aids, and auto-focusing capabiltiy to allow it to help you with tasks as all distances, IRIS Vision provides more versatile low vision assistance than anything else out there.

IRIS Vision’s software also allow for future upgrades as needed, meaning it will be able to serve you well for a long time and only get more effective.

eSight

eSight makes electronic eyewear for low vision patients which stimulate synaptic activity from the remaining photoreceptor function in the patient’s eyes utilizing smart algorithms, high resolution screens, and cutting edge cameras. It differs in this way from many other devices, as it is maximizing the use of your remaining vision as opposed to working around those limitations via cameras or other devices.

This combines to maximize the visual information that reaches the brain to compensate for gaps in the wearer’s field of view caused by low vision. With the assistance of eSight, many patients even manage to achieve 20/20 visual acuity.

eSight is also constantly developing upgrades and newer low vision devices to provide the maximum possible assistance for you

What Low Vision Device is Right For Me?

Everyone’s situation is unique, as are the solutions to the problem. For this reason, it’s vital to see a doctor for a comprehensive vision exam prior to purchasing any low vision aid. The exam will allow the doctor to determine the nature of your condition, and provide recommendations as to treatment options and low vision devices.

Summary

Today, there is no shortage of high quality, high-tech low vision aids that can tremendously help patients, from companies including OcCam, IRIS Vision, eSight, and more. If you are suffering from low vision and are interested in exploring a high tech solution, you can contact Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach at (562) 925-6591 to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Patients with low vision visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of low vision services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.