The SmartSight Project: Use of Electronic Glasses to Improve Impaired Fields of Vision

Abstract

Electronic glasses use advanced assistive technology that can improve function for persons with visual impairments. This paper presents work in progress in the SmartSight project, where existing versions of electronic glasses are adapted and tested for persons with the visual impairments; macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. The project aims are to adapt and innovate electronic glasses for persons with impaired fields of vision and study the impact on the daily function and quality of life. In a pilot test of the electronic glasses, promising results were found that imply a big difference for persons with impaired vision. The outcome of the SmartSight project might change the clinical practise on treatment and rehabilitation of persons with impaired fields of vision, and on how the support services are organised.

Keywords: Augmented reality; E-accessibility; E-glasses; Usability evaluation; Visual impairment.