Optiscribe v1.0

Consensus Software Awards

Brief product description

Optiscribe is the world's first lensless vision testing program that allows the client to test their own vision on their own PC monitor screen in the privacy of their own home. The client downloads code from the AiVision site that carries out monitor calibration and then the vision tests. The concept and tests have been developed and clinically tested in Sydney by a multidisciplinary team of optometrists and computer scientists over the last four years.

A preliminary vision screening test that can detect common vision problems such as visual acuity and astigmatism is currently available FREE ( www.aivision.com.au/services.htm  ) and the results given to the client at the end of the test. This service allows anyone from around the world to quickly check for potential vision problems.

Further vision tests that measure spherical lens power, astigmatic power and axis, that can be used as the basis for the prescription of spectacles (subject to government approval) will soon be available at a small cost. Tests to screen for glaucoma, macula degeneration, colour vision, dyslexia and various binocular vision problems will also be available allowing persons in remote areas, those too busy to visit an eye care professional or those housebound to have better access to eye care.

To ensure adequate security the tests carried out by the client together with payment details are forwarded in an encrypted data streams by a secure link to the central AiVision clinic in Sydney.

To ensure the legality and the accuracy of the tests they are validated and assessed by a registered optometrist. The results and recommendations of the optometrist are returned to the client by email or mail (client preference).

To complement the service an E-store marketing vision related products is available from a link to the AiVision site.

The vision testing service is expected to be fully operational in the first half of 2001 depending upon government approval.

Innovation

Optiscribe is about as innovative as a product can get. On the nine point innovation scale it scores 9/9!

First In - Being first on the scene and available via the Internet creates a very definite business advantage for AiVision.

New Ground - Optiscribe empowers the client to be able to carry out a scientifically based test upon themselves with the view of improving their own (visual) health.

Earth shrinking potential - It gives all people in all countries equal access to vision care regardless of religion, politics, location or wealth.

Improved Productivity - Improved vision health should allow individuals to be more productive in their daily lives. Hence a more productive community and society.

Cutting Edge Technology - Most vision tests revolve around the use of lens based instrumentation developed 100 years ago. This is costly and obviously cannot be delivered on a mass medium like the Internet. AiVision lensless tests were developed for Internet delivery based upon optometric theory and field tested against conventional lens based methods.

Improved life style - The potential to improve the standard of living of the user is exceptional as most humans rely on most of their daily information input from visual sources.

People Power - Optiscribe combines new vision technology and Internet technology to empower the user to look after themselves in ways only previously suggested in science fiction.

Performance
Optiscribe was conceived and developed by two experienced professionals. One, a registered optometrist, with over 20 years of vision testing who owns and runs a successful optometry clinic in Sydney. The other, a research scientist with over 30 years of experience in biomedical research and scientific computer programming.

Optiscribe has been specifically designed to give clinical accuracy with remote delivery in mind.

The tests are continually being fine-tuned for optimal clinical accuracy and user friendliness in our optometry clinic in Sydney. The results to date have shown Optiscribe tests to be clinically accurate and user acceptable.

AiVision was recently awarded a Commonwealth Government COMET grant to further develop the project and carry out University studies to confirm the validity and accuracy of the methodology. These studies are currently in progress at the University of NSW Dept Optometry.

Potential

The potential of Optiscribe is profound as the vision of all humans deteriorates with age. It could assist in the general improvement of vision care in every country of the world.

In a letter to AiVision from the World Council of Optometry dated 1st November 2000..... 

"The World Council of Optometry has a standing committee devoted to the task of discovering and implementing novel and effective ways of getting eye care and vision care into rural areas of China, Indo-China, Africa and South America, and your new technology would appear to offer unprecedented access for these populations to a low cost service implemented through inexpensive trained operators supported by trained clinicians.

The World Council of Optometry supports any initiative that augments public health optometry resources and so we welcome the outcomes that your new technology promises."

Optiscribe was designed for international use. While the current version is available only in the English language, versions in other languages are projected as soon as the funds are available. We intend to make grant applications for further funds to expedite this aspect.

The potential market for the product is large as the technology can be delivered not only by the Internet but by more conventional stand alone computers. This means the technology can be delivered to remote clients who do not wish to use the Internet but prefer face to face contact with a mobile vision care professional. It may soon be possible to dial an eye-test with your pizza!

On a more commercial note the technology has been found to be of interest to vision care chains, the essential services industry (armed forces, police, fire brigade etc) who regularly carry out eye tests on their employees and occupational health personnel.

Other information the judges should know

Optiscibe has been conceived designed and patented in Australia by Australians who manage 100% Australian owned companies.

The Optiscribe software might be seen by some to potentially have an adverse affect on the suburban Optometry shop. This is unlikely as the service is targeted at those who would not normally bother or have access to routine optometry services. In fact the availability of a free screening test is likely to stimulate many who would otherwise have done nothing to seek the advice of their local vision care professionals.

As all Optiscribe tests have to be approved by a registered optometrist it will not affect the authority of the optometry professional but should have a beneficial effect on the employment of optometrists.

Our lensless vision tests are also likely to generate much research effort in the vision care industry which will undoubtedly lead to better, less expensive and more available eye care for everyone.

Web-site: www.aivision.com.au 

Requested method of presentation

Log on and perform our preliminary eye screening test to check your own eyes at www.aivision.com.au/services.htm  The commercial tests will be available only on special request. Check out vision terminology and see how the world looks to people with vision problems by checking out our "See though Others Eyes" web pages at www.aivision.com.au/othereye.htm 

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