New Technology Helps Veterans See
June 06, 2020
Visually impaired veterans could soon be helped by a wearable medical device that is able to restore vision for users without surgery. The tech company that produces the device, called eSight, has partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to put the device on the VA Federal Supply Schedule.
The latest model of the device, eSight3, is classified as a Type One FDA-approved medical device. It is worn like a pair of goggles but includes very high-tech elements. It uses high-resolution screens, smart algorithms and a camera to help the wearer see more clearly by stimulating synaptic activity from the remaining photoreceptor function in the user’s eyes. This helps the brain compensate for missing visual information and, hopefully, increases vision, mobility and vision control.
eSight3 works for those with central vision loss, which is when only the sides of the field of vision are clear and anything in the area straight ahead is blurred. The maker of eSight believes that around 66 million people around the world who would be good candidates to benefit from the device.
In the United States, 130,000 veterans are legally blind while more than one million others live with low vision that affects their ability to perform daily tasks and stay independent, according to the Blind Rehabilitation Services at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Often these individuals require surgery to restore some of their vision.
Despite its miraculous claims, the device is out of reach for many of those who could most benefit from it. The eSight3 retails for $6,000. Especially for veterans who live on a fixed income, this amount would be difficult to cover fully.
This is why the eSight company has been working closely with the VA to add its device to the Federal Supply Schedule, which offers price adjustments for medical devices based on a commercial “most favored customer” buying model. Through this program, eligible veterans are able to purchase medical equipment at a much more realistic and manageable price. When compared to the cost and highly invasive nature of the surgery that is usually needed to help restore eyesight, including the device in the Federal Supply Schedule program makes sense. For the veterans living with low vision, the gift of eyesight and independence is priceless.