Wearable technology: smart glasses and head mounted cameras – RNIB

These wearable devices are mainly for magnifying text and objects and enhancing remaining useful vision. They can all enhance both distance and near vision. These technologies change all the time and some may introduce speech options in future.

IrisVision Live headset magnifier

This consists of a Samsung VR Gear visor headset and a Samsung smartphone with IrisVision software. It magnifies whatever you look at through the visor, whether distant or near, and the image is shown in front of your eyes. IrisVision has a very wide field of view and for some people this can compensate for peripheral, or patchy, vision loss.

Watch the IrisVision in use on YouTube.

The IrisVision headset magnifier is supplied in the UK by VisionAid Technologies and you can find out more on it on their website.

Price £2,895 (VAT relief available).

VisionAid Technologies also supply eSight, Orcam MyEye and NuEyes (see below) and can demonstrate all its devices to customers at home and at exhibitions.

eSight 4

This is a visor style headset with a very modern design. It’s light, and comfortable to wear for long periods. eSight 4 has 24x zoom and can connect to a TV, computer or a games console.

Watch the eSight in use on YouTube or find out more about it from VisionAid Technologies.

Price: £6,995 (VAT relief available).

OXSIGHT glasses

OXSIGHT glasses can enhance remaining sight for individuals living with peripheral vision loss. The glasses are fitted with a camera that streams live video into two internal HD displays. By utilising the user’s remaining vision the glasses can potentially increase field of view to 68 degrees horizontally.

The OXSIGHT software, developed originally in Oxford University, features a range of modes that can help with edge, object, text and facial recognition.

The glasses help with conditions that result in a loss of visual field, such as Myopic Degeneration, Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinopathy of Prematurity and other degenerative eye diseases. The glasses have also helped people with a visual impairment as a result of a stroke, such as Homonymous Hemianopia.

The OXSIGHT smart glasses are designed for everyday wear.

Here’s a video of OXSight in use.

Price: £1,499 ex VAT.

OXSIGHT regularly have discounts and offers. It’s best to phone them to check what the current price is by calling 01865 580255.

SightPlus

SightPlus is a headset that has been designed to enhance the vision of people with severe sight impairments. It combines the capabilities of a near-distance magnifier and long-distance telescope. It will help with stationary daily living activities such as watching TV, reading, following a play and working on screen-displays.

If you have sight conditions such as macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt’s, albinism or diabetic retinopathy and/or if you benefit from magnification tools in general, you could see an impact on your vision with the device.

The UK supplier is GiveVision. If you want to try SightPlus, contact 01216 30 30 63 or sign up here.

Free testing sessions are available in London, Birmingham and with their partners (opticians, charities and low vision aids retailers) in other locations.

Here are links to a couple of videos of SightPlus in use: