Methods and Systems for Enabling the Remote Testing of Vision and Diagnosis of Vision-Related Issues

Abstract

A head-mounted video camera, a processor, and a display are integrated within the head-mounted device worn by the user. The head-mounted device is configured to capture images of the environment and subject those images to specialized processing in order to diagnose and/or make up for deficiencies in the user's eyesight. Different modes of operating the device are provided that enable the user to configure the device for a specific application. The modes of operation include at least an assistive mode, a diagnostic mode, and a therapeutic mode. Each mode of operation may include further options, where each option is dedicated to a specific processing approach specific to a condition that may afflict the user, ranging from contrast sensitivity issues to strabismus.

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         21 . A method of enabling a user to remotely test a plurality of vision characteristics of a patient, comprising:
 receiving from the user at a first computing device first data indicative of at least one of an interpupillary distance, a field of view, background dimming, ambient light level, or magnification characteristics;   transmitting said first data to a portable vision diagnostic device remotely located from the first computing device, wherein the portable vision diagnostic device comprises a housing adapted to fit onto the patient's head, a memory physically coupled to the housing, a display physically coupled to the housing, a camera physically coupled to the housing, adapted to view a scene in front of the patient, and configured to obtain input video images of the scene, and at least one processor physically coupled to the housing and in data communication with the memory, display, and camera; and   causing second data associated with at least one of an interpupillary distance, field of view, background dimming, ambient light level, or magnification characteristics in the portable vision diagnostic device to be modified based on said received first data, thereby modifying a visual display of the scene.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising mirroring the visual display of the scene from the portable vision diagnostic device on a display connected to the first computing device. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the display of the portable vision diagnostic device comprises a first area spaced apart from a second area by a distance and wherein, when the patient wears said housing, the first area is adapted to be in front of a left eye of the patient and wherein the second area is adapted to be in front of a right eye of the patient. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the first data is indicative of the interpupillary distance and wherein the portable vision diagnostic device is configured to modify said distance between the first area and the second area based on the first data. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising modifying said distance by pressing an icon, toggling a physical wheel, or receiving a voice command. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising assessing an interpupillary distance of the patient by presenting, via the display of the portable vision diagnostic device, a horizontal line to a first eye of the patient and presenting a vertical line to a second eye of the patient. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising modifying a relative position of the horizontal line and vertical line by pressing an icon, toggling a physical wheel, or receiving a voice command. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising assessing the interpupillary distance of the patient by determining when said vertical line appears at a center of the horizontal line. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising presenting, via the display of the portable vision diagnostic device, a sequence of targets. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising instructing the patient to acknowledge a visibility of at least one of said sequence of targets by interfacing with the portable vision diagnostic device. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising noting a failure of the patient to acknowledge the visibility of at least one of the sequence of targets. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising determining the patient has a scotoma based on said failure of the patient to acknowledge the visibility of at least one of the sequence of targets. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising performing static threshold perimetry for measuring a visual field of the patient. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising performing kinetic perimetry for measuring a visual field of the patient. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising shifting an image displayed on the portable vision diagnostic device in order to coax an eccentric eye of the patient to a more central position. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising, using the portable vision diagnostic device, presenting a first image to a first eye of the patient and a second image to a second eye of the patient and moving said first image and second image closer to each other over an extended period of time, wherein the extended period of time is at least one of a week, a year, or any day increment therein. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising presenting, via the portable vision diagnostic device, a test to determine the patient's visual acuity. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising presenting, via the portable vision diagnostic device, a test to determine the patient's contrast sensitivity.