In an age where eye care and technology is becoming increasingly important, a company has found a cheap way to mix the two together to create an efficient and cheap method for eye tests. EyeNetra,a company made up by former Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni, have recently come up with a new technology that allows for eye tests to be carried out by a handheld smartphone and a $2 optical scope
This has many implications for optometry around the world. It can mean that anyone with a compatible smart phone can get their eyes checked. This would therefore give them their lens prescription details saving them a great deal of money in eye test fees. This would also be available around the world, making it very accessible to people in less economically developed regions. Although this won’t make optometrists completely useless. Eye doctors in Michigan say that, “a comprehensive test does more than check for your lens prescription”. This is true and one shouldn’t rely solely on an application for their eye ware, but this can save a great deal of money for consumers around the world.
In some places in the world, patients have gone one step ahead and decided to create the lens’ themselves. The Center for Vision in the Developing World is trying to create a cheap pair of glasses made out of liquid silicon called Adspecs These glasses would come with a pump which can be used to adjust the shape of the lens for a sharper image. An eye doctor in Michigan say that “the user looks through the glasses, closes one eye and adjusts each lens until the object becomes clear” – this seems very easy and accessible to anyone. The only problem with them is that they’re very clunky looking. The developers of Adspecs are trying to make a more sleek and stylish version.
With all this new technology around, it would be easy to think that one shouldn’t go in to an optometrist for regular eye exams. Eye doctors in Michigan suggest that “regular checkups are necessary to ensure the health of your eyes”. Although this new technology should make getting prescription glasses quick and easy. What do you think? Please leave a comment below with your opinion.


