Creating an AI assistant for people with low vision and blindness
Official title: Development of an AI Assistant for Individuals with Low Vision and Blindness
Funded at Providence VA Medical Center · NIH-10999295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a helpful smartphone app that uses smart technology to assist people with low vision or blindness in their daily lives, making it easier for them to get around and do tasks independently.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX003892-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999295 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are legally blind or have significant visual impairments and are seeking assistive technologies to enhance their daily functioning.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal vision or those whose visual impairments can be fully corrected through conventional means may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an artificial intelligence assistant designed to aid individuals with low vision and blindness. The project aims to enhance independence and quality of life by utilizing advanced algorithms and smartphone applications that can assist with daily tasks. By integrating computer vision systems and auditory feedback, the AI assistant will help users navigate their environments more effectively. The approach includes user-centered design to ensure the technology meets the specific needs of those affected by visual impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the daily lives of individuals with low vision and blindness by providing them with tools to navigate and interact with their surroundings more independently.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing assistive technologies for the visually impaired, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Providence VA Medical Center
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosler, David M. — Providence VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rosler, David M.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.