A new product to help people with vision problems will be launched by an Ottawa tech firm within the next few months.
e-Sight plans to put a pair of electronic glasses on the market by early 2010.
"I can tell you most assuredly that this product is going to enable me to more fully participate in all aspects of my life," said Anne Lewis, who's legally blind and has tested the company's prototype.
The product, called the evSpex, has been in development for three years, combining research at the Ottawa Hospital's vision unit and the eSight company.
Lewis' brother came up with the idea and invested the first installment of cash in the project. Many say the device will help those with decreased vision, as well as anyone else who wants to enhance their vision in conditions that aren't ideal.
"It'll help not just people with low vision, but anyone who wants to see more -- maybe a rock concert, or in low-light conditions. It is something that can enhance everyone's visual experience," said Lewis.
The device uses video cameras to show what a person is looking at and electronically enhances the images, projecting them on small screens. The company says the glasses not only enhance vision, they also allow people to record moments on video, play them back, zoom in and adjust brightness.
There's no word on the price of the unit or whether it would be covered under government insurance plans.
The firm, which started three years ago, is getting a $500,000-investment from the Ontario government to accelerate the product to the market.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Paul Brent
