Clinical trial of wearable computer to improve visual field v4
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot clinical trial of an augmented reality wearable computer to improve the visual field of monocular patients
IRAS ID
174422
Contact name
Trevor J. Coward
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Many people lose an eye and even more lose vision from one eye due to disease or accidents. One-sided vision compromises everyday tasks such as avoiding people and obstacles while walking in crowded places. Wearable computers consist of a small computer similar to those found in modern smartphones, a camera and a small screen all integrated into a pair of eyeglasses, and enable computer interaction without distracting the user from daily activities. These devices have been developed for 30 years, but only recently the first one became commercially available. The aim of this clinical trial is to test whether the visual field of people with one-sided vision could be improved with a wearable computer device.
For this purpose, a wearable computer device will be used in conjunction with an external camera. Then this will be tested first by the researchers and then by a small number of people with one-sided vision, in order to assess by how much their visual field could be improved, as the external camera will be feeding a live image from the impaired vision side to the screen on the normal vision side. Participants in the study will undergo standard optometry testing and then will be allowed to use the device at home. Following that, an informal interview will be conducted to collect feedback and information in order to design a bigger study.
This study will help people with sight loss from one side to perform everyday tasks such as walking in crowded places or tight spaces with more confidence and safety. This could have a significant impact on their quality of life and psychology, and may help speed up adaptation to one-sided vision and therefore acceptance of their condition.REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0128
Date of REC Opinion
31 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion