Collision avoidance devices for the visually impaired

SMART GLASSES TO ENHANCE VISION
Researchers at Oxford University, UK, have developed "Residual Vision Glasses" (RVGs) or "Smart Glasses" to help people with vision impairment avoid obstacles and see the world more clearly.

Led by Dr Stephen Hicks, the most recent work using these glasses was published in this abstract presented as a poster at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)

The movie below is a news article describing and showing the glasses. More information is available at www.assisted-vision.com.

A WEARABLE DEVICE FOR OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE
Massachusetts Eye and Ear are developing a different device to help people with vision impairment avoid collisions.  You wear it on your clothes and it beeps when you're in danger of walking into something. They've done a pilot study in people with tunnel vision and hemianopia, presented as this abstract at Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).

Here's a man using the device to walk through some inflatable palm trees!

Help with employment and visual impairment for employers and employees (UK)

Visual impairment such as hemianopia can cause difficulties at work, both for employees and also employers.  But don't worry, help is at hand!

For employees:

If you have difficulties because of your visual impairment (or any other disability) then you have protection in law from the Equality Act if you're having problems.  For example employers need to make reasonable adjustments to help you in your work (see this link: Reasonable Adjustments - Equality and Human Rights Commission).  Many people with hemianopia can be registered partially sighted by an ophthalmologist, which may help.  See this link: RNIB - registering your sight loss

For employers:

If you're an employer the RNIB has put together some advice to help you navigate the difficulties you might come across.  See this link: RNIB advice to employers - employing visually impaired people



(The RNIB is a charity, so do consider donating: follow this link - they have nothing to do with this blog by the way, and I'm not getting any money for suggesting you donate)