HI-TECH GLASSES that can help blind people read have been hailed as "life changing" by a leading Australian visual tech expert.
The state-of-the-art OrCam device is a small camera which attaches to glasses and can read texts, describe objects and even identify faces.
The OrCam MyEye is designed to help people who are visually impaired, and was one of the many gadgets on show at the Royal Society for the Blind Canberra's annual adaptive technology expo.
Society adaptive technology specialist Gina Baulderstone said the device, designed by an Israeli company and now available in Australia, could help transform the lives of many legally-blind people.
"We have a number of people with serious eye conditions who really need speech to guide them and for who this device could really change their lives," Ms Baulderstone said.
The lightweight camera device clips onto the wearer's glasses and is connected by a thin cable to a tiny wearable computer designed to fit in a pocket.
The computer uses audio feedback to relay visual information (through speech) that users can't see.
When the user points at words or an object, the miniature camera takes a photo and uses artificial vision software to read back the information to the user via an earpiece.
The device can also recognise people's faces and even identify those who have previously been stored.
Ms Baulderstone said the gadget is a real game-changer in terms of giving legally blind people more independence.
"For example, the wearer might be outside a restaurant and can just make out the shape of the menu on the wall," she said.
"The device means they can now read what is on the menu.
"It is more social than the other traditional forms of aids, where you have to be seated at a computer or desk. The user can be out and about.
"And the face recognition software is great for when you walk into a party or are in a meeting."
The device can also recognise money, which is helpful in shops and when counting it out.
While Ms Baulderstone said the device won't suit everyone - "it depends on the user, their age and their eye condition" - the society has lots of aids to help everyone.
"If someone is interested in trying the OrCam out they can come for a screening to see if its suitable and then book in for a test," she said.
"We also have all sort of technology available to help people who are blind or vision-impaired, from hand-held magnifiers to special lighting. There's also software and scanners to enable text to speech and we train people on the use of smartphones and tablets too.
"There are so many options available."
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