Mojo Vision is working with the FDA to develop a smart contact lens to help people with low vision.
The lens overlays real-time contrast and lighting enhancements with zoom functionality and recently won FDA breakthrough device designation.
“Receiving the Breakthrough Device Designation is a significant step in our research and development process. We look forward to continuing our work with the FDA to ensure our solution is safe and effective, and that we can bring the Mojo Lens to market and assist people with vision impairment,” CEO Drew Perkins said in a news release. “This designation continues our work towards developing a product that can truly impact people’s lives in a positive way.”
Mojo Lens features a power-efficient image sensor that is optimized for computer vision, a custom wireless radio and motion sensors for eye-tracking and image stabilization. The device increases contrast, highlights edges, magnifies objects and zooms out to spot check surroundings to help people with low vision.
“After extensive research, development and testing, we are excited to reveal our product plans and begin sharing details about this transformative platform,” Perkins said. “Mojo has a vision for invisible computing where you have the information you want when you want it and are not bombarded or distracted by data when you don’t. The technology should be helpful, and it should be available in the moment and fade away when you want to focus on the world around you.”
Through the Breakthrough Device Program, Mojo Vision will work directly with the FDA to get feedback, prioritize reviews and develop a product that could meet or exceed safety regulations and standards.
The company has also partnered with Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which offers rehabilitation services to people with blindness or impaired vision.
“Through our partnership with Mojo Vision, we have a unique opportunity to help revolutionize the way those with impaired vision are able to see the world,” executive director of the Vista Center Karae Lisle said. “Our clients will be at the forefront of this effort, playing direct, hands-on roles in the design of Mojo’s technology. Together through our efforts, we hope to change the future of vision-loss rehabilitation, improve the quality of life for our clients and pave the way for others.”
Google’s life sciences company Verily in 2018 ended its smart glucose-sensing lens project due to difficulties in obtaining reliable tear glucose readings. The project, which began in 2014, was supposed to develop a contact lens that could measure glucose levels for people living with diabetes.