What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Magnification devices, such as handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers, and electronic magnifiers, are commonly used to assist individuals with low vision. Known side effects or issues with these devices can include eye strain, headaches, and discomfort from prolonged use. Additionally, some users may experience difficulty in adjusting to the device, leading to frustration or reduced adherence to its use. The socially assistive robot aims to mitigate these issues by promoting patient acceptance and encouraging consistent use, potentially reducing the visual disability associated with low vision.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

FDA-approved treatments for low vision primarily include various types of magnification devices such as handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers, and electronic magnification systems. These devices help individuals with low vision to perform daily activities by enlarging text and images. Additionally, there are assistive technologies like screen readers and text-to-speech software that aid in reading and accessing digital content. While the use of socially assistive robots to motivate and encourage the use of these devices is a novel approach currently under study, it represents an innovative step towards improving adherence and proficiency in using magnification devices for individuals with vision loss.

What other types of research exist?

Promising, novel alternatives to Socially Assistive Robots for low vision patients include: 1) Wearable augmented reality (AR) glasses that enhance visual information, 2) Smart magnification devices with AI-driven features for personalized assistance, 3) Mobile applications offering virtual training and support for device usage, and 4) Tele-rehabilitation services providing remote guidance and monitoring by low vision specialists.

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Socially Assistive Robot for Low Vision

Phase 1

Recruiting

Led By Ava K Bittner, OD, PhD

Research Sponsored by University of California, Los Angeles

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up for immediate robot: baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months. for delayed/waitlist robot: baseline, 3 months, 6 months.

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial uses a socially assistive robot to help people with vision loss use magnification devices for reading. The robot interacts with users to ensure they use the devices correctly and stay motivated. This approach aims to improve their ability to perform daily activities like reading.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults over 18 with any level of vision loss from ocular disease, who have received a magnification device from the UCLA Vision Rehabilitation Center. It's not suitable for those with life-limiting medical conditions, conflicting schedules, cognitive impairments, substance abuse issues, significant hearing loss or incompatible magnifier devices.

What is being tested?

The study tests how a socially assistive robot can help people with low vision use their magnification devices more effectively and consistently when reading. The robot aims to motivate users and reinforce skills needed to proficiently use the magnifier.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves a non-medical intervention (a socially assistive robot), traditional side effects associated with medications are not applicable. However, participants may experience frustration or lack of interest in interacting with the robot.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ for immediate robot: baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months. for delayed/waitlist robot: baseline, 3 months, 6 months.

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~for immediate robot: baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months. for delayed/waitlist robot: baseline, 3 months, 6 months.

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and for immediate robot: baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months. for delayed/waitlist robot: baseline, 3 months, 6 months. for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Activity Inventory

Secondary study objectives

3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale

Almere

Duke Social Support Index

+5 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Immediate RobotExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

One month after study entry, participants will receive the robot at home for two months, followed by a three month observation period without the robot.

Group II: Delayed/Waitlist RobotActive Control1 Intervention

Three months after study entry, participants will receive the robot at home for three months.

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

The most common treatments for low vision include the use of magnification devices such as handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers, and electronic magnifiers. These devices work by enlarging text and images, making them easier to see for individuals with reduced vision. The socially assistive robot being studied aims to enhance the use of these magnification devices by providing motivation, encouragement, and skills reinforcement. This is crucial for low vision patients as it promotes consistent use and proficiency with the devices, ultimately improving their ability to perform daily activities and reducing visual disability.