Eye Testing

Phoropters and aberrometers are the two devices optometrists use for determining eyeglass prescriptions.  An eye test also requires a clinical visit. But with a device named “NETRA” (for Near-Eye Tool for Refractive Assessment), engineers at MIT’s Media Lab have the possibility of antiquating traditional eye exams, much as the tiny glucose meter did for diabetes management.  NETRA fits atop a cellphone screen, and relies on a cellphone software application that focuses the viewer’s sight at different depths to measure the eye’s focusing ability.  The viewer uses the phones’ pointing device to make the “better or worse” choices; software calculates the prescription-all done in about two minutes.  The plastic piece that attaches to the phone costs less than $2-or pennies, if mass produced.             MORE

Image Credit:   MIT News