AI-driven, low-cost aids for people with visual impairment

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Mainstream consumer devices increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence (AI).
• This presents new opportunities for accessible, low-cost assistive tools for individuals with visual impairment.
• Emerging AI tools repurpose common hardware like smartphones and smart glasses for assistive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review emerging AI-driven tools that leverage common hardware for visual impairment assistance.
• To examine how these tools offer alternatives to costly, specialized assistive devices.
• To highlight the shift towards affordable, integrated assistive technologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of emerging AI-driven assistive technologies.
• Analysis of tools repurposing smartphones and smart glasses.
• Examination of platforms like Ray-Ban × Meta smart glasses, Apple's iPhone Magnifier app, and Be My Eyes.

Main Results:

• Three representative technologies demonstrate AI's role: smart glasses for scene interpretation, smartphone apps for spatial awareness and text recognition, and virtual assistants for image interpretation.
• These tools prioritize affordability, discreet design, and daily life integration.
• Widespread adoption is noted, but formal clinical evaluation regarding functional outcomes, safety, and performance is limited, with user-generated content often leading peer-reviewed research.

Conclusions:

• AI-enabled consumer devices are transforming assistive technology by reducing costs and improving usability.
• Clinicians must be aware of these rapidly evolving tools as patient adoption increases.
• Further rigorous studies are essential to evaluate clinical impact, ensure safe use, and guide integration into vision rehabilitation.