Narayana Nethralaya, in collaboration with SHG Technologies, proudly introduced “Aura Vision”, The device aptly called AURA (Augmented Reality Assisted Device) Vision has been indigenously designed and developed in India. This wearable first-of-its-kind device will help children and adults with low vision of any cause to navigate, read and visualize objects far and near owing to its innovative multi-camera integrated augmented reality capability.
Addressing the press, the dignitaries on the dais included Dr. Naren Shetty, Vice Chairman, Narayana Nethralaya; Gp Capt S K Mittal VSM, CEO, Narayana Nethralaya; Mr. Seetharam Muthangi, CEO & Co-Founder of SHG Technologies; Dr. Bhanumathi, HOD, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Dr. Anand Vinekar, Head of Pediatric Retina at Narayana Nethralaya.
Understanding Low Vision
Normal visual acuity is defined as 6/6, which means an individual can see clearly at a distance of 6 meters what a person with normal vision should see. Low vision is a condition where the visual acuity is worse than 6/18 to 3/60 in the better eye or where the visual field is severely restricted (less than 10 degrees from central fixation). This condition cannot be corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery.
Low vision can affect adults and children and its causes may vary from being hereditary, to trauma or due to eye conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment, optic atrophy etc.
Daily Challenges Faced by Individuals with Low Vision:
Mobility Difficulties: Navigating unfamiliar spaces and avoiding obstacles.
Reading Issues: Difficulty reading books, labels, or digital screens, hindering education, work, and professional activities.
Social Barriers: Challenges in recognizing faces or interacting in public gatherings, which can lead to reduced social participation affecting one’s confidence and mental health.
Access Problems: Limited ability to access public information like reading signage or identifying products in a grocery store.
Introducing Aura Vision:
Aura Vision uses advanced Augmented Reality (AR) technology to assist individuals with various levels of vision impairment. It not only promotes autonomy but also creates opportunities for education, employment and social interaction, contributing to an overall improved quality of life. As the world’s first AR-powered low vision assistive device featuring multiple high-resolution cameras, it offers a range of powerful features:
Reading Mode & Zoom View: Enhances text for easier reading.
Wide Mode: Expands the field of view.
Voice & Gesture Assistance: Enables hands-free operation.
Object Recognition: Identifies items and environments.
Spell Word Mode: Assists with reading and spelling.
Compensation for Central and Peripheral Vision Loss: Adjustable magnification and customizable viewing windows.
Blurry Vision Compensation: Enhanced contrast and sharpening features for users with hazy or blurred vision.
Customizable Views: Features such as colour-blind compensation and a dedicated reading mode, making it versatile for various visual impairments
The press update included a live demonstration of the device and its features, along with patients sharing life-changing experiences after using Aura Vision glasses.
“The low vision glasses have greatly helped me perform my work and move around independently,” said a patient whose vision was affected by TB meningitis.
Another touching story was shared about a young schoolboy who suffered trauma and lost partial vision. He is now able to resume studying and identify his books and stationery without anyone’s support.
“People with low vision face daily challenges that can create social stigma and affect mental health. With Aura Vision, they can overcome these challenges and lead independent lives. One of the best aspects of this collaboration is that the philosophy of SHG Technologies aligns with that of Narayana Nethralaya, which is to create affordable solutions for the larger benefit of society.” Dr Naren Shetty, Vice-Chairman, Narayana Nethralaya.
“Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Augmented Reality can be leveraged to solve problems like low vision. This device is not the work of one person or team—it’s the combined efforts of Narayana Nethralaya and support from many other organizations. With the aim of creating the most affordable device using the latest technology, this device will be available in India at one-seventh the cost of its foreign counterparts. “ Mr Seetharam Muthangi, CEO & Co-Founder of SHG technologies.
“Today marks the beginning of a wonderful journey that will see a dramatic shift in how people with low vision are treated. It is the coming together of many like-minded individuals for a very noble cause—helping the low vision community thrive.” Gp Capt S K Mittal VSM, CEO, Narayana Nethralaya.
Narayana Nethralaya’s Buds to Blossoms Clinic is among the very few in India to adopt a multidisciplinary approach in delivering comprehensive and holistic care to the visually impaired. The clinic has several specialists and therapists for rehabilitation and support of individuals with low vision, cerebral visual impairment, spectrum disorders, binocular vision disorders and related conditions.
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