Founded in 2014 to develop a low vision aid for those with incurable sight loss, GiveVision has teamed up with the Sony UK Technology Centre to develop and manufacture the next generation of its wearable technology, Sightplus.
The prototype Sightplus headset incorporates an advanced digital magnifier and augmented reality (AR) to amplify remaining vision and highlight sight outlines, but it was bulky and uncomfortable to wear. The new partnership will develop and manufacture a new, lightweight version of the Sightplus device, said GiveVision, which has relocated its design office to Sony UK Tec’s facility in South Wales.
A recent study by Moorfields Eye Hospital found almost 70% of Sightplus users had an enhanced visual acuity (VA) of 0.2 logMAR or better, and 59 of 60 trial participants found Sightplus improved their VA by an average six lines on a sight test chart.
Stan Karpenko, CEO of GiveVision, said, “Having access to Sony’s world-beating technology, as well as their manufacturing skills and resources, will allow our company to launch and scale our latest products at speed across global markets.”
Designed to help people with central vision loss or conditions affecting the whole visual field, such as albinism and optic neuritis, Sightplus will imact the lives of millions of people, said Gerald Kelly, Sony UK Tec general manager.
