Improving vision care in Africa using smartphones
Official title: Overcome the barriers of vision care in Africa using smartphones
Funded at Schepens Eye Research Institute · NIH-11133191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can use smartphones to make it easier for people in Africa to get eye care, so they can check their vision and receive help right from their phones, especially in areas where eye care is hard to find.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Schepens Eye Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $392,247 |
| NIH project number | 4R33EY034345-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in Africa who face barriers to accessing traditional vision care services.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of Africa or those with conditions that require in-person clinical interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to address the challenges of accessing vision care in Africa by leveraging smartphone technology. It explores how mobile phones can be utilized to enhance visual function assessments and provide remote care solutions. The approach may involve developing applications or tools that allow patients to receive eye care services through their smartphones, making it more accessible and efficient. By focusing on innovative technology, the research seeks to bridge the gap in vision care availability in underserved regions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to vision care for patients in Africa, leading to better eye health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of smartphones in healthcare is gaining traction, this specific approach to vision care in Africa is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Gang — Schepens Eye Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Luo, Gang
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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.