Your chance to help develop “Bionic Glasses”

Researchers at the University of Oxford are developing a new type of electronic visual aid that may be able to help improve independence of people with severely impaired vision. The visual aid looks like a regular pair of glasses and can be taken on and off just like them. But, built into the frames are two tiny cameras that are used to detect objects in the immediate environment such as people, obstacles and signs. The location of detected objects is indicated to the wearer by illuminating a set of small bright lights that are embedded in the lenses of the glasses. The result is a helpful overlay that augments the wearer’s visual limitations with the power of technology.

The glasses may be useful to people who have retained even the smallest amount of vision. The researchers have begun testing the glasses at the John Radcliffe Hospital and are looking for participants who might like to take part. The test involves responding to simple lights and colours presented on a small display and will take about one hour.

If you think you might be interested in participating, please call Dr Stephen Hicks on 01865 234 635, or write to us at study@smart-specs.com. This study is being organised by researchers from the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Oxford and has been reviewed by the National Research Ethics Service. All information collected during the course of the research will be kept strictly confidential and you and a companion will be reimbursed for travel expenses and refreshments.