The Vision Buddy headset

A US startup has developed a virtual-reality-style headset to enhance everyday activities for the visually impaired. Vision Buddy’s developers say the headset allows low vision users to view their surroundings, see faces clearly and read medicine labels – the headset can zoom in or out or read printed text aloud. The device’s TV Hub also connects to a cable box or streaming device to watch TV programmes with enhanced image quality within the headset.

In developing and distributing the headset, Vision Buddy partnered with a global network including Vision Australia and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.