Accessible AI Wearables Device for Visual Impairment in Low-Income Communities

Visual impairment represents a critical challenge for low-income communities in developing countries. Despite their essential contributions to national development, these populations often struggle to access affordable assistive devices, which tend to be prohibitively expensive. In partnership with ophthalmologists from Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. This research presents a modular, customizable, 3D-printed head-mounted visual aid device that utilizes a standard smartphone for processing and display. By integrating advanced image processing algorithms and artificial intelligence, it meets the specific requirements set by the ophthalmologists. This comprehensive system encompasses both software and hardware components, making it versatile and user-friendly. Our study emphasizes the engineering design of the device and includes an evaluation of user satisfaction among patients and medical professionals. Preliminary findings indicate high user satisfaction and confirm that the device fulfills essential medical requirements, marking a significant advancement in addressing visual impairment in underserved communities.