Vision loss is one of the major health care problems, especially for older people. According to D.A. Quillen, around one in three people, have any form of vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65. The most frequent causes of vision loss are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy.
Allow people to regain their sight!
Based out of London, Stan Karpenko, founded GiveVision in 2014 intending to develop a wearable vision aid that could transform the lives of people with severe sight impairments. Inspired by the latest developments in augmented and virtual reality technology, the UK-based startup aims to create a device that would allow people with sight loss to regain much of their sight.
The successor of the VR glass model SightPlus, the 2nd-gen SightPlus (also called SightPlus 2), is expected to use the combination of AR and VR to simulate human vision with an over 100-degree field of view in near real-time.
Tie-up with Sony!
As per latest developments, the company is now working with Japanese tech giant Sony to develop and manufacture the wearable, which condenses the existing ‘vision-enhancing’ technology into a single pair of glasses. As part of the agreement, GiveVision will be relocating its design office to the Sony UK Tech facility in Wales, UK.
GiveVision in their official website said:
We are very proud to be working with Sony UK to develop and manufacture the next generation of SightPlus. Having access to Sony’s world-leading imaging and display technology, manufacturing expertise, talent, and supply chain will enable us to ship the highest quality product at prices affordable to consumers worldwide.
191 million people are suffering from moderate to severe sight loss!
As per the company, over 191 million people are suffering from moderate to severe sight loss. The company’s new assistive technologies — SightPlus has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people with irreversible sight loss by allowing them to live more independently.
Gerald Kelly, general manager of Sony UK, said:
“Our partnership with GiveVision is a great example of how open innovation can enhance the value of young companies through true partnerships and creates a positive impact on the Welsh economy.”
70% reported positively!
According to a recent study conducted by Moorfields Eye Hospital on the SightPlus prototype device, over 70% of users reported that their visual acuity was enhanced to 0.2 logMAR, which is close to normal vision.
Moving on, SightPlus can be purchased outright for £2,995 (approx €3,191). This will include a 3-year warranty and free software upgrades. If not, you can buy SightPlus on a monthly subscription basis, which will cost you £55 (approx €58) per month, and a non-refundable set-up fee of £495 (approx €526).
Main image credits: GiveVision
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