IDeA: A Demonstration of a Mixed Reality System to Support Living with Central Field Loss

Abstract

People with visual impairment face multiple challenges in their everyday life. They must regularly visit doctors to examine the progress of their impairment and advisory offices or local support groups to learn strategies to overcome challenges in everyday life. However, traveling to appropriate facilities itself often poses challenges to the patients. We propose IDeA, a system based on augmented and virtual reality technology for people with visual impairments. IDeA can lower the cost and improve access to medical care, support digitalization in treating visual impairments, and provide support in the everyday lives of people with visual impairments. IDeA is a three-fold system supporting: 1) the simulation of symptoms of visual impairments to raise awareness in persons without visual impairment, 2) showcasing early detection of symptoms and providing visual augmentations of the real world to support patients in overcoming challenges, and 3) supporting doctors through telemedical consultation, medical eye examinations, and the training of visual strategies. We outline the benefit for all stakeholders and how IDeA can improve the lives of people with visual impairment.