Redefining Automated Perimetry
Our Solution
How we helped ophthalmology start-up Elisar set a new standard in Glaucoma testing
The Result
Incubated inside one of India’s best Eye Hospitals, Elisar’s AVA became the first solution to perform perimetry without a traditional exam lane or high-cost capital equipment.
The Story
The Elisar AVA Headmount isn’t just a medical device; it’s a testament to the idea that technology can be both highly functional and beautiful. We believe in designing for a better future, where medical equipment is not intimidating, but rather an elegant, intuitive part of a patient’s care journey. This project was a chance to bring that philosophy to life, transforming the features of a benchtop diagnostic equipment into a fluid, mobile, and patient-friendly experience.
THE CHALLENGE
A Vision for Accessible Eyecare: The Elisar AVA Headmount
In a world where technology promises to bring everything closer, why are some of the most critical healthcare services still so far away? That was the challenge posed by Elisar, a company with a bold, non-traditional vision for eyecare. They looked at the problem not through the lens of a traditional medical device company, but through the innovative eyes of a tech startup. Their goal? To harness 21st-century technologies to make essential eyecare, specifically glaucoma testing, affordable and accessible to millions.
OUR PROCESS
Designed to take Perimetry Anywhere
The project was ambitious. We needed to create a device that was portable, low-cost, easy to use, and could be operated by semi-skilled technicians. It had to be a tool for empowerment, not a barrier to entry. Our role was to act as an in-house partner, rolling with the punches and adapting to the changes that are inherent in any groundbreaking project. We drew upon our experience in both consumer tech and medical device development, ready to build a device where none had existed before.
Our collaborative journey began with a deep dive into the human factors and a focus on making the complex feel simple. The device, which Elisar named AVA (Advanced Vision Analyzer), had to look familiar and non-intimidating to patients and technicians alike. Glaucoma testing can be stressful, and the last thing a patient needs is to feel like they are about to undergo a complex, alien procedure.
THE SOLUTION
The Power of Familiarity
We knew the visual language had to be approachable. The device had to,
- Look familiar to both patients and technicians to put them at ease.
- Be robust enough to survive vibrations, in package drops that could happen.
- Be easy to set up and use as tests could be done either in clinics or patients’ homes.
At the time, VR headsets were gaining popularity in India as a form of entertainment. People were used to seeing them on train and bus journeys. This insight was a “aha!” moment. Why not design the AVA like a VR headset? The form factor would be instantly recognizable and approachable. This decision also came with immense technical benefits. By leveraging the processing power of a smartphone, we could sidestep the need for expensive, dedicated hardware, dramatically reducing the device’s cost and enabling rapid iterations.
The design-aesthetic had to be fluid, human, and intuitive. It needed to be a tool that invited interaction, not one that stood aloof in a clinical setting. We opted for a deep black finish, not just for its sleek, modern look, but for a functional reason: glaucoma testing requires a dark environment. The AVA’s dark enclosure prevented any light leaks, ensuring the accuracy of the test results, even in a brightly lit room. This was an elegant solution to a critical engineering challenge, marrying form and function in a single, confident stroke.
Lightweight Body, Heavyweight Lifting
The AVA had to be worn by the patient for the duration of the test. To minimize discomfort and ensure patient compliance, it was crucial that the device was as light as possible. This was no small feat. On top of the existing components of a standard VR headset, we had to integrate specialized hardware for eye power correction and glaucoma sign scanning. We meticulously balanced the internal components to achieve an ergonomic comfort level that made the device feel almost weightless while it performed its complex diagnostics. The goal was to make the user forget they were even wearing it, allowing them to focus on the test itself, not the device on their head.
Precisely Tough for the Rigours of the Road
The “anywhere” promise of the AVA meant it had to be a survivor. We engineered the device to be robust enough to withstand the vibrations, drops, and general wear and tear of being transported on two-wheelers and in backpacks on India’s often-challenging roads. This required a deep understanding of materials science and a meticulous approach to tolerance analysis. The internal assemblies, which perform the precise measurements, had to be protected from external shocks while remaining easily manufacturable. This “precisely tough” design philosophy ensures that the AVA can deliver accurate results, whether it’s in a city hospital or a remote village clinic.
Building for the Future
Technology moves fast, and we recognized that the smartphone model at the core of the AVA would eventually become obsolete. We designed a modular system that would allow Elisar to easily switch to newer phone models as they became available. This forward-thinking approach ensures the longevity of the AVA platform and protects Elisar’s investment in the product, making it a sustainable and adaptable solution for the long haul.
THE RESULT
The Outcome
This project was a true collaboration that brought together our design and DFMA expertise, Elisar’s proprietary engineering and technology, and Dr.Agarwals’ understanding of the industry and market, to create a device that has the power to change lives.
The Elisar AVA is more than just a medical device; it’s a statement. It proves that with the right blend of human-centric design, engineering ingenuity, and a little bit of creative flair, we can break down the barriers to healthcare access and bring a new vision of wellness to communities everywhere.