Binocular dysfunction, or the inability to coordinate both eyes, is a debilitating learning disability. Because it is often undiagnosed, children suffer both academically and socially from the inability to concentrate due to blurred or double vision. Although clinical therapy is an option, it is usually exorbitantly expensive if provided through a physician, and other forms of at-home therapy have proven too monotonous for children to use consistently.

However, a team of four biomedical engineers from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and two high school volunteers is changing the future of vision therapy. The team is transforming the current at-home therapy model into a high-quality 3-D video game that appeals to children. Wearing an altered virtual reality helmet, patients align and maintain certain eye positions prescribed by a clinician, all while “destroying” 3-D alien models featured in the game.

The project is providing the students with practical, hands-on experiences that expand their knowledge of engineering principles and techniques, all while better humanity through advancing technology. 

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