Smart Vision Labs has developed a portable device, SVOne, which attaches to smartphones to measure refractive errors in eyes. This low-cost, easy-to-use autorefractor is especially helpful in parts of the world where eyeglasses are hard to come by because of a shortage of equipment and trained professionals.
Video: Verizon Wireless
The device has a wavefront sensor that measures refractive errors such as nearsightedness and farsightedness.
The attachment takes a few snapshots of the eye, then uses a smartphone to analyze the images and produce digital refraction data.
The SVOne is pocket-sized and has a battery that can last over 50 hours while doing continuous refractions. It has been field-tested in Haiti and Guatemala and found to be very effective in non-clinical conditions.
Hopefully the new technology will help the millions of people across the globe who don't have access to eye care to at least get a pair of glasses if needed.
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