In the why-didn't-anyone-think-of-this-sooner department comes the My Mobile Light Low Vision Aid, launched last month by Technical Vision of Pipersville. The product, which combines an ultra-bright LED with a sturdy walking cane, was designed and developed in collaboration with other Pennsylvania partners.
“Our goal was to create an effective, practical and easy-to-use assistive device for people with uncorrectable vision loss due to eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other chronic conditions that also cause vision loss, including diabetes, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease,” explains CEO Lorraine Keller.
“My Mobile Light combines two different assistive concepts — bright LED lighting and mobility support — in a completely new way,” she continues. “My Mobile Light projects clear, even, bright light directly onto the ground around the user's feet and immediate walking area to illuminate obstacles in the walking path. The support cane function assists with balance and gait; both are frequently impaired by vision loss and physical instability.”
The development of My Mobile Light is a case study in collaboration.
With a grant from BioStrategy Partners and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Technical Vision began to develop the product in 2011 in partnership with the Salus University College of Education and Rehabilitation in Elkins Park.
IMET Corporation in Southampton, a contract manufacturing and product development firm, built the first prototypes (tested under low-vision simulation at night to identify the optimal combination of light color and intensity for visually impaired eyes). Today IMET builds the custom electronic circuitry that provides constant light output and does not gradually dim like a flashlight. MTS Ventures, an Allentown engineering firm, built several generations of prototypes and is Technical Vision's manufacturing agent overseeing components manufacturing and assembly.
Technical Vision is selling My Mobile Light direct-to-consumers online and to medical supplies distributors who service older adults, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
Source: Lorraine Keller, Technical Vision
Writer: Elise Vider