Life-Changing Wearables for the Visually Impaired

There are a lot of tasks that we take for granted and consider to be easy – crossing the street, watching movies, reading food labels, grocery shopping, or even things like going downstairs or cleaning up around the house. Unfortunately, for around 253 million people globally, these tasks are far from easy. In the United States of America alone, scientists are predicting the amount of visually impaired people to double by 2050. To combat this, however, more and more tech companies are using their resources to help create life-changing wearables for the visually impaired.

1. MyEye 1 by OrCam

OrCam MyEye 1 is a wearable artificial device designed to help people who are visually impaired, blind, or have reading disabilities.

It is composed of a processor unit that fits easily in the user’s hand, and a lightweight smart camera that instantly and discreetly reads printed and digital media out loud. The camera can also recognize faces, products, and banknotes. To use it, a user must clip the small camera onto their glasses and simply point at the text they want MyEye to read.

2. BuzzClip by iMerciv

This discreet wearable device for visually impaired people was created to assist people specifically living with blindness or partial sight. It does so by using ultrasound to detect obstacles that may lie in one’s path. If an obstacle is detected, the device notifies the user through vibrations. This allows the user to safely navigate around the detected obstacle.

You can attach the BuzzClip to any form of clothing, simply use it as a handheld device, or attach it to your cane. Because there is still some social stigma attached to visual impairment, some individuals opt out of using guide dogs or canes, because they don’t want to stand out and appear helpless.

That’s why iMerciv claims the BuzzClip is the best alternative that is not only discrete but also addresses upper body and head level obstacles.

3. Horus by Horus Tech

Horus looks similar to a headset with a camera attached and a powerful processing computer that stays in your pocket. Similar to the OrCam MyEye 1 previously mentioned, Horus observes and describes the environment to the person who is using it. It provides assistance with important tasks such as reading text, facial recognition, and object recognition. In some cases, Horus can even detect information that may be relevant to the user, which triggers an automatic action. This wearable device was created to assist people living with little to no sight.

4. Sunu Band by Sunu

The Sunu band uses echolocation to enable visually impaired people to travel with confidence. The echolocation works by the device emitting high-frequency ultrasound waves that bounce off objects in the user’s proximity. When an obstacle is detected, the user is notified by different vibrations depending on what lies in your way. The Sunu Band is very responsive and sensitive even to pedestrians and pulses more urgently when they move toward you rather than when they’re just passing by you. Apart from echolocation, it also uses a haptic compass and a GPS navigation app.

5. WayBand by WearWorks

The WayBand is a wearable haptic navigation device for visually impaired people. Users are guided to their end destination using only, similarly to the Sunu Band, vibration transmitted through the band. The navigation works in tandem with your smartphone, which allows you to easily input destinations you would like to be guided to. It is currently still in the beta-testing stage, but curious users can join the program and help improve and review WayBand.

Wearables for blind and visually impaired people are still a small niche market and some devices don’t even get past the beta-testing phase.

Fortunately, we’re seeing an increase in tech companies popping up and dedicating their time and resources to those who need assistance with everyday tasks. As we see technology progressing in a rapid way, we will undoubtedly see more products hit the market.

Wearables for Visually Impaired FAQs

Is there a wearable tech for low vision?

Yes, there are several wearable technologies available for individuals with low vision. These devices are designed to enhance the visual experience and provide assistance in various daily activities. Some examples of wearable tech for low vision include smart glasses, electronic magnifiers, and visual aid devices. These devices often incorporate features such as magnification, contrast enhancement, and text-to-speech capabilities to assist individuals with low vision in reading, navigating, and recognizing objects.

What assistive technology is used for visually impaired?

There are numerous assistive technologies available to help individuals with visual impairments in their daily lives. These technologies aim to improve accessibility and enhance independence for visually impaired individuals. Some commonly used assistive technologies for the visually impaired include screen readers, which convert text into speech or braille, and screen magnifiers, which enlarge on-screen content. Other examples include optical character recognition (OCR) software, braille displays, tactile graphics, and accessible mobile applications specifically designed for visually impaired users.

What is a smart band for visually impaired?

A smart band for visually impaired individuals is a wearable device that offers specific features and functionalities tailored to their needs. These bands often incorporate a combination of haptic feedback, audio cues, and sensors to provide valuable assistance in navigation and daily activities. For example, a smart band may use vibration patterns or haptic feedback to provide directional cues, helping users navigate through their surroundings more easily. Some smart bands also offer features like step counting, heart rate monitoring, and connectivity with smartphones to receive notifications or alerts. These devices aim to enhance the independence and quality of life for visually impaired individuals by providing them with useful information and assisting them in their daily routines.