Timonium, MD – November 6th, 2017:
Low Vision Specialists of MD & VA (LVS) has announced an expansion of its disruptive technology offerings with the addition of the powerful new technology called Aira that helps those who are low vision and blind access information immediately with the assistance of a remote human Aira agent. It is one of the first technologies designed to expand the living environment for those living with vision impairment. Low Vision Specialists of MD & VA (LVS) has announced an expansion of its disruptive technology offerings with the addition of the powerful new technology called Aira that helps those who are low vision and blind access information immediately with the assistance of a remote human Aira agent. It is one of the first technologies designed to expand the living environment for those living with vision impairment.
The new technology is simple to use as it combines an app on your smartphone with a pair of smart glasses to connect you with a professionally trained Aira agent who is able to see through the smart glasses. When the blind or low vision user needs support he or she simply taps the app to call an agent. Through the live stream in the Google smart glasses, the agent can see the user’s environment. The agent uses a dashboard that see the user’s location on a map and along with the live stream feed, the agent can guide the user on their way, detailing the environment for the user. For example, “You are coming up on a busy intersection with a crosswalk signal box on the right,” or “Walk 50 feet to the train stop and there is a bench for you to sit on if you are tired.” From grocery shopping with Aira to navigating your surroundings, this new service was designed to unlock greater independence and mobility. LVS is an Aira preferred partner and will offer the device along with complimentary demonstrations at its practice locations throughout Maryland and Virginia.
The user’s profile creates a comprehensive knowledge base for the agent. For example, If the user is going to a restaurant, the agent can call up the menu and assist the user. “I see you like seafood, there is a special on the menu tonight that you might like,” and then reads the special to the user.
Aira removes barriers for the visually impaired and expands their independence by increasing the possibilities of where they can go and what they can do. There are many technologies available to assist those with low vision or legal blindness but this the first to assist those who are totally blind.
“LVS continually seeks innovative, disruptive technologies that assist those with low vision and blindness,” said Bari Azman, Vice President Marketing & Business Development for LVS. “Our search for technologies like Aira is motivated by the belief that the visually impaired do not have to live a limited life. We believe that every person has the right to independently make their way in the world and for those who are blind, that means having access to unique technology like Aira.”
“Aira has more than 100 agents throughout the United States who are available to interface with users on call each day from 7 am to 1 am EST,” said Suman Kanuganti, Founder and CEO of Aira. “Our users tell us that Aira enables them to do things on their own schedule like cook, go to museums, read books to their children, go to baseball games and buy greeting cards. One man ran a marathon with the Aira agent navigating the way for him. This is the evidence of how a truly disruptive technology can vastly improve the lives of those who are blind.”
Like your mobile phone, Aira is a monthly subscription service with plans that start at $89 per month. This fee covers the smart glasses, any data you’ll need, access to the Aira agents and is flexible with month-to month contracts. Aira is also a premier partner of AT&T which means they have created a dedicated part of the network where all Aira calls receive priority access. The technology has been the focus of AT&T’s ExperienceMore campaign promoted by NFL Pro Hall of Famer Emmit Smith.
If you are interested in Aira, call LVS to schedule a complimentary personal demonstration. They are available by appointment at any LVS office in Maryland and Virginia beginning late October.
About Low Vision Specialists of MD & VA
Low Vision Specialists of Maryland and Virginia (LVS) specializes in maximizing patient vision and customizing optical systems for adult and geriatric patients suffering with vision loss caused by aging and/or ophthalmic disease, as well as children suffering with Stargardt’s disease. LVS improves the quality of life for patients whose vision loss makes activities of daily difficult or impossible. Founded in 1976, the practice has a documented 98% success rate in improving patient vision. LVS is a member of The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS), and has multiple locations in Maryland and Virginia.
