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In the first quarter of 2026, the Assistive Technology Centre at AMTZ, Visakhapatnam, advanced its integrated Vision Pathway to address persistent barriers faced by individuals with visual impairment in mobility, daily functioning, and social participation. Limited access to assistive solutions often leads to dependency and reduced quality of life, highlighting the urgent need for safe, independent navigation.
As part of this approach, Vision Path, India’s first compact assistive device for visually impaired individuals, has been developed to enable safer and more independent mobility. The device allows users to walk freely without colliding with obstacles by detecting them in advance and providing intuitive vibration-based alerts. Its compact, torch-like design enables easy handling and multi-directional scanning of surroundings, reducing reliance on traditional walking sticks.
Vision Path operates through a simple and user-friendly mechanism where the user holds the device like a torch while walking. It continuously scans the environment, detects obstacles within a range of approximately one meter, and alerts the user through vibration feedback, enabling timely avoidance and safe continuation of movement.
Aligned with global priorities such as Universal Eye Health, Integrated People-Centred Eye Care, and the IAPB 2030 In Sight strategy, AMTZ is delivering scalable, inclusive solutions that empower individuals with dignity, independence, and equal opportunity
Vision Path is a revolutionary handheld assistive device designed to empower visually impaired individuals with enhanced spatial awareness. Moving beyond the limitations of the traditional white cane, this compact, torch-like device provides proactive obstacle detection. Using an Arduino Nano and ultrasonic sensing, it monitors a 100 cm range, allowing users to navigate safely without needing physical contact with obstacles.
To ensure versatility in different social and environmental settings, Vision Path features three specialized modes:
Dual Feedback: Simultaneous beep and vibration for maximum safety in busy areas.
Silent Tactile: Vibration-only feedback, ideal for quiet environments like offices or libraries.
Safety Alert: Beep and LED light feedback, optimized for outdoor navigation.
The integration of a High-Visibility LED system is a key innovation for public safety. While it helps users with partial vision, its primary role is to serve as a beacon for the surrounding public. By illuminating the user’s path, the LED alerts drivers and pedestrians to their presence, significantly reducing accident risks during night-time travel or in high-traffic outdoor zones.
The upcoming evolution of Vision Path involves the integration of an AI-powered camera module. This advanced upgrade expands the device’s capabilities from simple distance sensing to complex environment recognition. The integrated vision system is designed to detect and announce daily objects, stairs, speed breakers, pits, and potholes. By identifying these specific hazards, the device provides a comprehensive “digital eye,” offering users unparalleled safety and confidence in both urban and rural landscapes.
By combining a pocket-friendly design with reliable, environment-aware technology, Vision Path offers a socially acceptable and highly effective solution for independent living, granting users the confidence to explore their world safely.
Prevent Blindness is declaring February as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Low Vision Month in an effort to provide education and various expert-approved resources to the public and professionals. This year’s AMD and Low Vision Month is generously supported by Gold Sponsor EyePoint, Inc.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, AMD is the most common cause of severe loss of eyesight among people 50 and older. And, about 4 million Americans live with low vision, which is defined as chronic visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or medical treatments.
AMD affects the central part of the retina called the “macula.” When AMD damages the macula, the center part of a person’s vision may become blurred or wavy, and a blind spot may develop. Early detection and treatment of AMD is key to helping to prevent significant vision loss.
Two types of AMD include:
“As our population ages, the number of individuals impacted by AMD continues to grow. Many will face difficulties doing the things we sometimes take for granted, such as reading, seeing faces, and driving,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “Our robust collection of resources on AMD and low vision are intentionally created to help minimize vision loss and maintain independence for those impacted by AMD while providing effective tools to the public and providers on ways to save sight.”
As part of AMD and Low Vision Month, Prevent Blindness offers the free AMD GuideMe app. This resource provides a customized overview of AMD along with a tailored resource list and suggested steps to help save sight from the eye disease specific to the individual using the GuideMe app. Prevent Blindness offers additional educational resources including fact sheets and shareable social media graphics in English and Spanish, and dedicated webpages.
New this year, as part of the Prevent Blindness ASPECT Patient Engagement Program Member Spotlight Series, graduate Laurie S., shares her experience with AMD, including her family history with the eye disease, how it impacts her daily activities including the ability to read music, and the importance of support groups “Age-related Macular Degeneration: Laurie’s Story.”
Videos in the Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health Series include:
The Prevent Blindness “Living Well With Low Vision” program provides useful information to those with low vision, their care partners and healthcare professionals. Content includes self-help guides, resources for vision loss and mental wellness, information on clinical trials, and much more. Living Well With Low Vision is supported by grants from Amgen and Genentech.
For more information on AMD, please visit PreventBlindness.org/amd. For information on geographic atrophy, please visit PreventBlindness.org/geographic-atrophy.
And, for more information on Living Well With Low Vision, or other general eye health information, please visit lowvision.PreventBlindness.org.
For a listing of organizations and services that provide financial assistance for vision care in English or Spanish, please visit https://preventblindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information.
