A startup named ReBokeh has seen attention from the world. For the first time, a phone app brings assistive tech for people with uncorrectable vision impairment. Â
The problem: An uncorrectable vision impairment can’t be fixed with eye-sight glasses or any vision treatment. It causes a low vision that creates difficulty in reading posters, menu boards, tourist navigation maps etc.Â
People with albinism, diabetes and certain eye conditions face this vision impairment. The assistive technology that’s available for the aid costs hundreds of dollars.Â
The startup: ReBokeh is a free mobile application founded by Rebecca Rosenberg who also happens to have low vision due to albinism. The app is built to solve the unique needs of people with low vision.
The mobile app features a set of camera filters, each for a special condition of low vision impairment. A user can customize the filters as per their own unique vision. These filters help people read more easily and differentiate objects in cluttered vision.
How does the app work?
ReBokeh takes its motivation from optometry science that uses a specialized lense called therapeutic filter. This lens increases contrast for people with light sensitivity and balances off the glare.
The digital filters tend to work exactly like a therapeutic filter. Users can adjust contrast and lighting with a single hand drag option.Â
There are 10 features included in the ReBokeh beta version that cover various low vision impairment cases. These cases include light sensitivity, blurred vision, contrast sensitivity, and night blindness.Â
These digital filters gracefully cut the need for people to carry handheld, or spectacle-mounted magnifiers and telescopes.Â
The impact: Globally at least 2.2 billion people suffer from vision impairment. These people include uncorrected, low vision cases that find trouble reading text and sign boards while traveling.Â
Rebokeh can help these people to independently navigate without needing any other person for aid.Â
With ReBokeh, people with visual impairment can have no hassle in scanning menu boards at restaurants, looking through navigation maps, and reading sign boards at airports. They can do it with ease through their mobile devices.
Additionally, the app is a free version of the more expensive assistive tech available in the market. It saves people a lot of bucks as they use the user-friendly technology.
How is the startup doing in the market?
The startup won the pitch contest at the CES 2023– world’s most influential tech event.
It’s also recognized by Techstars– an renowned entrepreneurial support platform.
The startup secured a pre-seed funding of USD 120k that displays the potential of this technology piece.
ReBokeh has completed 1-year in testing where 1000 people downloaded the application. Nearly 37000 image adjustments were made showing its utility for people with low vision.
Currently, ReBokeh is available for iPhone and iPad, and is coming for Android soon.
If you have your own great startup idea but you’re holding yourself back, here’s another example from Pakistani entrepreneurs who founded a user-friendly accounting app.Â
Happy venturing!