Apps for Eye Care
With smartphones having taken a commanding lead in the mobile market, it was only a matter of time before industries embraced their potential to function as dynamic and customizable tools. Eye care has been no exception, harboring the development of a multitude of applications that make the lives of both doctors and patients easier by lifting restraints and often cutting costs.
In one of our previous posts, we discussed MIT’s eye exam and cataract-testing apps that help bring eye care to remote regions of the world. Here we are going to dissect four other eye-care-specific apps on the market today.
iEye Retina: This app from Alan Gardner encompasses the most relevant conditions affecting the retina, serving as an educational tool for students and sufferers of retinal conditions.
Users have access to images and text related to various retinal diseases and conditions in two modes, reference or quiz. It beckons users interaction by allowing them to highlight selected text and also quickly compare each condition to a normal retina. Imagine doctors now having such ease of access to a visual aid when conveying to patients the meaning of their diagnosis. It may be simple in concept, but it is exponentially beneficial in application.
Price: $2.99 Available through iTunes
EyeCare: This app by XVision seeks to stop Computer Vision Syndrome in its tracks. A common technique to alleviate and/or prevent CVS symptoms is the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes you are staring at a computer screen, take a break to focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Try it now, it’s a relief! EyeCare’s programmed alerts reliably remind users to avert their eyes and give them a rest.
Price: $0.99 Available through iTunes
PrimeMOBILE: Greenway Medical Technologies recently announced the release of the PrimeMOBILE app for the iPad and iPad 2 following last year’s release of the app for the iPhone. While the app is not eye care-specific, it is definitely a tool that all medical professionals can utilize. Through Greenway’s flagship software, PrimeSUITE, this password-protected app gives doctors remote access to patient data, including clinical documents, scans, lab results, summaries, and more, with the added benefit of search and filter functions. Doctors can use the Electronic Health Records software to streamline all patient information, including billing, saving the practice both time and money.
Price: Free 30-day trial with purchase of PrimeSUITE and monthly fee after trial period. Available through iTunes. Android release is anticipated for this Fall.
LUMA Eye Care Apps: Earlier this year Eyemaginations released six new apps for the iPad to accompany their LUMA software. The apps are valuable tools for patient education, explaining different aspects of ocular health with articles, videos, and interactive slideshows in easy-to-understand, engaging ways. Patients can learn while fiddling with an iPad in the waiting room, or doctors can use the apps as visual aids that accompany and elaborate on their verbal explanations.
Price: Free for all Eyemagination clients with a free demo available to all. Available through iTunes
