title: The development of the Ocutech VES-autofocus telescope and a future binocular version.
abstract: Conventional optical low-vision devices are hampered by the physical constraints of magnification-shallow depth of field and narrow field of view, and for telescopes, the need to change focus for different distances. These characteristics make low-vision telescopic aids difficult to use, especially at important midrange distances. The Ocutech VES Autofocus bioptic telescope (VES-AF) funded with National Institutes of Health-Small Business Innovation Research and Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Health grants, eliminates the need to manipulate the device to maintain focus. Clinical experience with the VES-AF has shown that autofocus (AF) enhances the acceptance and utilization of telescopic devices. Difficulty ignoring the fellow eye while sighting through the device has been a complaint of users that has undermined device acceptance. Although occlusion is an option to alleviate the diplopia experienced, the development of a binocular version may further enhance the acceptance, adaptation to, and utilization of telescopic devices and may offer wider fields of view as well.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Ocutech, Inc., USA. hg@ocutech.com
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Greene
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pekar
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Beadles
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Gottlob
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003867:Depth Perception / Q000502:physiology; D005139:Eyeglasses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012682:Sensory Aids / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015348:Vision, Binocular / Q000502:physiology; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000628:therapy*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology