New "Eye Chart" App Designed to Address Common Challenges in Near Vision Testing

A new app aims to address common challenges encountered in near vision testing.

The "Eye Chart" app, which was developed by Michael Ullman, MD, a cornea specialist at Ullman Eye Consultants in Pensacola, Florida, leverages the iPhone's TrueDepth camera to measure viewing distances, simplifying vision tests by eliminating the need for manual measurement. The app features a color-coded system that guides users to the correct distance for accurate vision assessments.

One of the key functionalities of the Eye Chart app is its adjusted visual acuity feature, which caters to patients preferring different viewing distances. This is particularly important for scenarios where the standard 38 cm viewing distance is impractical. The app also displays this distance in diopter units, aiding eye doctors in determining the appropriate near add for their patients.

Additionally, the app employs the TrueDepth camera to measure pupillary distance and assess for proptosis, functioning similarly to a virtual Hertel exophthalmometer. While not a replacement for traditional methods, it offers an option when standard equipment is not accessible, Dr. Ullman said.

It also includes a wide range of optotypes in the app, making it suitable for pediatric and non-verbal patients. Dr. Ullman has also integrated color plates for emergency optic nerve function assessments, crucial in critical care situations. The app is designed to be user-friendly, allowing easy shuffling of optotypes and quick screen brightness adjustment, enhancing its ease of use.

The Eye Chart app is available for download from the Apple App Store by clicking here.