Using technology to help people with low vision improve their daily activities
Official title: Beacon Sensors and Telerehabilitation to Assess and Improve use of Devices (BeST-AID) for Low Vision
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11077565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how video calls can help people with low vision learn to use magnification devices from home, making it easier for them to get the support they need without worrying about travel or health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $170,541 |
| NIH project number | 3R01EY034627-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with low vision who face challenges in attending in-person rehabilitation sessions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal vision or those who do not use magnification devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how real-time videoconferencing can be used to provide rehabilitation services for individuals with low vision, allowing them to learn how to effectively use magnification devices from the comfort of their own homes. By overcoming barriers such as transportation and health concerns, the study aims to deliver low vision rehabilitation (LVR) training remotely, making it more accessible for patients. The effectiveness of this telerehabilitation approach will be compared to traditional in-office training to determine if it can achieve similar outcomes in enhancing reading abilities and daily functioning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the accessibility and effectiveness of rehabilitation services for individuals with low vision.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggests that telerehabilitation for low vision is feasible and may be as effective as traditional in-office rehabilitation, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bittner, Ava K — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Bittner, Ava K
Related research
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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.