IrisVision [video]

Macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other visual impairment conditions can severely limit a person’s ability to live independently and to participate in accustomed activities. We’ve written about several technologies for the visually impaired, including Microsoft’s Seeing AI project and NuEyes glasses that magnify images up to 14X.

IrisVision‘s smartphone-based smart glasses for the visually impaired take advantage of discoveries by its founder, Frank Werblin, PhD., a professor of neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. Werblin’s discovered that the way visual information is processed by the brain makes it possible to remap images from other portions of the retina. For users with partial vision, this means that the working part of the retina can be used to produce useful images. The IrisVision VR headset employs a smartphone camera with artificial intelligence to remap the information using algorithms developed for different diseases and conditions.

The IrisVision connected platform includes eye care professionals, rehabilitation experts, and researchers, all of whom support users. The current version, IrisVision 3.5, introduces natural language processing so users can speak normally to operate the hardware and change modes and settings. With newly-added Amazon Alexa integration, users can ask about the news, weather, and other information. Also, IrisVision now includes TV Exposure Presets to compensate for ambient light and screen settings.

IrisVision is available for a one-time $2,950 charge that includes the hardware, battery charging equipment, headphones, and a carrying case and lanyard. Personalized coaching, free remote support, and free software updates are also included in the purchase. IrisVision also offers monthly payment plans.

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