It's nice to know that science is working on improving our eyesight. But it doesn't work for everyone, and it isn't available to all, even for those for whom it would work. And useful as they are, Braille and talking books are substitutes for vision, not enhancements.
So the other trick is to make things easier to see. There are now cell phones with big buttons, websites have standards for accessibility, including options for larger typefaces, etc. Road signs can be made clearer using technology (who knew paint could be so high-tech?) and computer studies of eye movements can help us put signs in places where people actually look.
But for me, the best technology is still under construction. Head mounted displays or goggles still aren't ready for prime time. But when they get the bugs worked out, you will be able to put on something that looks like a pair of sunglasses, but will essentially open up an almost magical world, showing enhanced pictures of what's in front of you--or a normal computer screen, or television or film. It will have the capability of adding text information near the pictures, such as the name (and age, and personal details) of the person walking towards you. It will also warn you of obstacles and challenges--much like the technology that is being introduced in modern cars. And, also like in cars, it will come with maps.
Yes, it'll take getting used to and will feel wildly new and different. But that's part of the fun, right?
Comments