Using augmented reality to cue obstacles for people with low vision.

Detecting and avoiding obstacles while navigating can pose a challenge for people with low vision, but augmented reality (AR) has the potential to assist by enhancing obstacle visibility. Perceptual and user experience research is needed to understand how to craft effective AR visuals for this purpose. We developed a prototype AR application capable of displaying multiple kinds of visual cues for obstacles on an optical see-through head-mounted display. We assessed the usability of these cues via a study in which participants with low vision navigated an obstacle course. The results suggest that 3D world-locked AR cues were superior to directional heads-up cues for most participants during this activity.

Longitudinal Trends in Case Histories and Rehabilitative Device Assessments at Low Vision Examinations.

SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding longitudinal changes in why individuals frequent low-vision clinics is crucial for ensuring that patient care keeps current with changing technology and changing lifestyles. Among other findings, our results suggest that reading remains a prevailing patient complaint, with shifting priorities toward technology-related topics. PURPOSE: This study aimed to understand changes in patient priorities and patient care in low vision over the past decade. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of examination records (2009 to 2019, 3470 examinations) from two U.S. low-vision clinics. Automated word searches summarized two properties of the records: topics discussed during the case history and types of rehabilitative devices assessed. Logistic regression was used to model the effects of examination year, patient age, patient sex, and level of visual impairment. RESULTS: Collapsing across all years, the most common topic discussed was reading (78%), followed by light-related topics (71%) and technology (59%). Whereas the odds of discussing reading trended downward over the decade (odds ratio, 0.57; P = .03), technology, social interaction, mobility, and driving trended upward (odds ratios, 4.53, 3.31, 2.71, and 1.95; all P 's < 0.001). The most frequently assessed devices were tinted lenses (95%). Over time, video magnifier and spectacle assessments trended downward (odds ratios, 0.64 and 0.72; P = .004, 0.04), whereas assessments of other optical aids increased. The data indicate several consistent differences among patient demographics. CONCLUSIONS: Reading is likely to remain a prevailing patient complaint, but an increase in technology-related topics suggests shifting priorities, particularly in younger demographics. "Low-tech" optical aids have remained prominent in low-vision care even as "high-tech" assistive devices in the marketplace continue to advance.