Peek Vision - the portable eye examination kit – consists of smartphone apps and an adapter. The kit means that health care workers, anywhere in the world, can easily and affordably carry out complex eye examinations on patients.

The adaptor clips over the camera lens and allows health workers to take photos of behind patients’ eyes - a potentially life-changing tool for the many millions of people across the globe who are unable to access hospitals or clinics for treatment.

Existing eye care tools are expensive and difficult to use and access; for these reasons many people are going without treatment. With Peek, complex eye examinations can be carried out on a portable device, for a fraction of the cost.

Nigel Bolster, a hardware engineer who works on Peek at the Biomedical Department at the University of Strathclyde, explains Peek’s significance:

“80% of people who are blind are blind for reasons that are preventable and, of that 80%, 90% are on low incomes. We wanted to mobilise eye clinics with the help of smartphones.

“At the moment all medical students receive training on how to use ophthalmoscopes, which are difficult to use and don’t allow you to take photos. Peek Vision let’s you easily take high quality photos that you can then send to experts to be examined"

Mr Bolster goes on to explain how Peek can be used in the UK to help people with mobility issues:

 “We started by focussing on low income settings, but it has become clear that Peek can be used here in the UK... Care workers or nurses can take high quality pictures in patients’ houses, care homes or hospitals and send them away."

Peek has received attention globally, with Bill Gates saying previously, “Good news for developing countries. Curing blindness is going mobile.”

Peek Retina isn’t currently available to buy. A commercial version is in development and will be available to buy in the coming months.

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