Irisvision is a virtual reality device designed to assist those with low vision in seeing more clearly. Utilizing live feed from a smartphone camera, live images are sent directly into a headset which helps people living with macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy Stargardt disease or any other eye conditions see better.

Stanford’s Byers Eye Institute and co-founders Frank Werblin and Shafik Khan collaborated with Samsung on developing this hardware solution.

Cost of the device

Utilizing cutting-edge virtual reality technology, irisvision has developed a wearable device that helps people with low vision read, watch television and engage in hobbies more comfortably. Created by Frank Werblin and his team at Stanford’s Byers Eye Institute, the wearable system draws upon research conducted by leading vision scientists as well as custom software developed specifically for Samsung Gear VR hardware. Collaborating with such an established manufacturer allows irisvision to minimize manufacturing costs while still being able to focus on its core technology development.

Costing $2,500, this device combines a Samsung Gear VR headset with a smartphone from Pleasanton, California-based startup Re-Mach. Re-Mach offers training sessions to help users learn to use its devices effectively, and eventually digital therapies that could enhance visual function while maintaining cognitive functions are expected to become available through Re-Mach in 2019 at latest.

Cost of the software

IrisVision utilizes virtual reality technology to help those suffering from severe macular degeneration see more clearly. Currently used at 80 ophthalmology centers nationwide and boasting success rates of 20/30 or better vision improvement, although IrisVision won’t cure blindness completely but rather facilitate daily tasks and enhance quality of life for its users.

Software features include image contrasting, luminosity adjustment and bioptic magnification of specific areas on screen. There is also a black and white reading mode which improves text contrast. Furthermore, its field of view is larger than other low vision devices offering sharp and clear images.

The device connects with a Samsung Gear VR headset and utilizes either cellular or WiFi connectivity to transmit images. Cellular connectivity ensures constant access in areas with poor signal coverage; training sessions are provided so customers can learn to use their device correctly.

Cost of the headset

IrisVision has unveiled its Inspire low vision headset, using Samsung’s Gear VR virtual reality headset to magnify objects, text and other visual information. Suitable for reading, streaming video and playing games – IrisVision says its weight 0.38 pounds; features removable eyeguard and is controlled with an attached smartphone; custom versions may also be created to address specific vision impairments.

The headset can be used for treating various conditions, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Stargardt disease and glaucoma. The software works with your phone to create a live image that magnified by a bubble on screen; you can adjust bubble size, magnification level and other settings according to user needs. Furthermore, black and white images or inverted text can also be displayed for easier viewing.

Frank Werblin and Aaftab Khan, two Stanford University alumni with backgrounds in medical science and mobile technology respectively, created IrisVision together. Working in collaboration with researchers at Stanford’s Byers Eye Institute as well as other ophthalmology centers they developed the device which is currently being tested at 80 ophthalmology centers throughout the US for testing at an estimated cost of $2,500 which includes both headset and phone purchase (Samsung Galaxy S7 or S8)

Cost of the monthly subscription

IrisVision is a virtual reality headset device created to improve quality of life for people living with low vision. Featuring a 70-degree field of view and IrisBubble zoom feature that enables patients to zoom in on certain areas, this product can help treat various vision conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, Stargardt disease and Best Disease as well as help restore depth perception and peripheral vision. Furthermore, its prices are competitive when compared with similar low vision devices found around the globe ophthalmology practices worldwide.

This startup’s aim is to lower the costs of its device through economies of scale and hardware agnosticism; using existing Samsung Gear VR headsets and smartphones makes its product more cost-effective. Their monthly subscription plan has already launched in the United States; with plans to expand globally by 2020.

Inspire by IrisVision provides award-winning software in an ergonomic, lightweight headset designed specifically to aid people with low vision. With access to unlimited cellular data for two years and its powerful software platform providing rich features to maximize life experiences for those living with low vision, Inspire aims to help people enjoy life to its fullest extent.