Pioneering Mobility Research for Individuals with Low Vision | Envision Blog

Pioneering Mobility Research for Individuals with Low Vision

By Beth Walker • Oct 24, 2024
Sarika standing with a research participant who has motion sensors taped on her body.

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The Envision Research Institute (ERI) is proud to support an exciting new project that aims to enhance mobility for individuals with low vision, using innovative motion capture (MoCAP) technology and augmented reality (AR) devices. This groundbreaking two-year study, led by ERI Research Fellow Sarika Gopalakrishnan, PhD, FAOO, marks the first time that mobility using AR for individuals with vision loss will be studied. This research is funded through ERI and is supported by a two-year mentorship program Gopalakrishnan has with Dr. Walter Wittich, Associate Professor at the University of Montreal.   

Thanks to the collaboration with the MoCAP Lab at Wichita State University (WSU), the research is now well underway. Over the course of the next two years, this project will focus on three key areas of mobility for people with vision loss, starting with posture and stability. For the first time, AR devices will be used to assess how individuals with low vision maintain balance moving through various environments. The goal is to provide meaningful insights to low vision therapists and eye doctors who are already prescribing AR devices to low vision patients, helping ensure that patients fully understand the benefits of AR technology and how it can assist them in maintaining independence.  

The research works by using biomarkers and sensors that are placed on the body to monitor and analyze human movement. Data from the sensors is then transmitted to a central system for analysis, where algorithms process the collected data utilizing machine learning techniques that identify patterns and correlations between movement and visual responses. The mobility phase of the study will have 21 participants. Dr. Jeremy Barton, PhD, Envision Research Institute Fellow, is a current participant in the study. His expertise is invaluable as someone who is not only a researcher in the field of low vision, but is visually impaired himself.  

When asked about her goals for the research, Gopalakrishnan shared, “My hope is to provide comprehensive information about the benefits AR devices can offer individuals with vision loss. Right now, patients are receiving AR devices without fully understanding how they can help. By combining MoCAP and AR technology, we aim to create empowering tools that enhance independence and quality of life for people with low vision.” 

Gopalakrishnan also expressed gratitude to key collaborators, including Richard Sack, Instructor & Lab Manager at WSU, Dr. Nils Hakansson and Dr. Michael Jorgensen from the WSU Biomedical Engineering Department, Sarah Fraser, Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa, Yves De Koninck, and Dr. Walter Wittich, for their encouragement and support in helping her pursue this research. 

Gopalakrishnan is actively seeking participants, both visually impaired and typically sighted, to contribute to this innovative study. Those interested in participating or learning more can reach her at sarika.gopalakrishnan@envisionus.com.