E. Peli

Schepens Eye Research Institute,
Harvard Medical School,
Boston, Massachusetts,
Email Eli@vision.eri.harvard.edu
U.S.A.

The intact visual system provides us with a very wide field-of-view at apparent high resolution using both variable spatial resolution and temporal sampling. The wide field of view is continuously monitored at a low resolution that provides sufficient information for navigation and the detection of targets of interest. These targets are scanned with the high-resolution fovea using saccadic eye movements.

Most low vision conditions impact upon only one of the components, the peripheral low-resolution wide field or the central high-resolution fovea. The loss of one of the components prevents the interplay of central and peripheral vision resulting in disability. Low vision devices traditionally replace or supplement the missing function. Magnification compensates well for the loss of resolution but inevitably results in a restricted peripheral field. Minification increases the instantaneous field of view but at a severe cost of reduced resolution.

This presentation will describe the use of optical methods and electronic technologies in the development of a number of new devices, all of which are centered on the need to restore and support the interplay of central and peripheral vision using eye movements in a natural way.