SALT LAKE CITY—Web Vision Technologies was recently awarded two grants from Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) at Baylor College of Medicine to develop vision-testing devices for National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) to be used on the International Space Station (ISS). These devices will allow NASA scientists to detect, monitor progression and guide medical interventions for vision issues astronauts are experiencing on long-duration deep space missions. Space travel is known to affect human vision, and astronauts are known to undergo changes in ocular functional and anatomical changes in long-duration spaceflights.

To help find solutions to these issues, known as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) NASA has asked Web Vision to develop two different specialized vision testing devices: a very compact, self-imaging retinal camera that will allow astronauts to take an image of their retina so doctors on the ground can look for signs of SANS and monitor its progression, and a specially designed goggle-based headset that will allow astronauts to test the functionality of their visual field, along with other vision tests that can be performed with the same device. Both technologies will provide NASA scientists with the information they need to detect, monitor SANS progression, and guide medical interventions for astronauts while still in space, Web Vision said in a statement.

Web Vision is partnering with Nidek Technologies, the Italian R&D subsidiary of Nidek to help with the development, design, and prototyping of the two devices. “We are excited to be working with Web Vision on these NASA projects. We have a wealth of experience in design and development of vision testing/diagnostic equipment and are looking forward to the challenge, especially given the demanding NASA specifications,” said Cesare Tanassi, managing director of Nidek Technologies Srl.

Web Vision plans to commercialize these and other vision care technologies in the near future, and is finalizing its market strategy and raising funds for the launch.

“We are excited to be working with NASA on these two very important vision testing devices,” said Bob Main, CEO Web Vision Technologies. “We are passionate about helping the space program achieve their goal of returning to the moon and putting humans on Mars and we are confident that the team we have put together will be able to deliver the technology that NASA needs to help monitor and find a solution to the SANS vision issue affecting astronauts on long duration flights. We are also grateful to TRISH for supplying the funding necessary to develop this technology and many more in the future.”

Dorit Donoviel, Ph.D, Director of TRISH said, “Our thanks to Web Vision for taking on the challenge of developing these technologies. We have worked with Web Vision in the past on other TRISH funded projects and they have proven to be a dedicated and talented group that can deliver the vision care technologies NASA needs. It is our core mission to help companies like Web Vision get the funding and support they need to help NASA get the technology they need to go to Mars.”