“Locked-in” syndrome is a condition in which patients retain full cognitive function but lose the ability to move or speak. Today, there are more than 1.2 Million ALS and other “locked-in” patients (due to stroke, neurological disease, traumatic brain injury, etc.).
Likewise, patients who have experienced trauma and are admitted to intensive care units are often left without the ability to communicate, whether this is a temporary or permanent loss of function, thus inhibiting patients from effectively communicating with their loved ones and medical staff. More than 5.7 million patients are admitted into ICU departments each year in the US. Approximately 40% of those patients require mechanical ventilation, precluding from communication, leaving them temporarily locked-in. In the US alone, $2B within 5 years was lost due to inadequate communication between patients and medical staff within ICUs.
-EyeFree Assistive Communication has developed the EyeControl, a wearable, screen-free and easy to use communication device. The IP protected technology enables communication by intuitive eye gestures and vocal feedback, eliminating the need for users to be calibrated to a screen.
The EyeControl is unique amongst its competitors for numerous reasons including:
o Wearable: The device is fully portable and wearable, and, due to the inbuilt AI, it requires no calibration. This feature enables communication during transport, while in the bathroom, outside, and most importantly, immediately upon waking.
o Simple to use: The device learning curve is proven to be under 20 minutes, unlike other devices that require long hours/days/weeks of training. This has facilitated the EyeControl in providing a solution to ventilated patients within hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
EyeControl provides a solution for these patients, enabling them to communicate with medical professionals and loved ones, and to take part in their care plan.
o Competitive pricing: Empowers individuals who previously could not afford a communication device to purchase an innovative solution. Additionally, the device requires minimum manpower for training and support.
o Patient empowerment and privacy: Users may choose what to send to the output speaker. Moreover, the device allows personalization of messages and other features.
OUR SOLUTION IS A “GAME CHANGER”: Our innovative solution offers the first wearable, screen-free and easy to use communication device which enables “locked-in” patients to communicate 24/7 with intuitive eye gestures, anytime, anywhere.
Due to the ease of use, the EyeControl device is also an ideal solution for temporarily “locked-in” patients within Intensive care or other hospital units. This is a revolution for patients who were previously unable to communicate their needs to medical staff and loved ones. The EyeControl capabilities were demonstrated with our original prototype, before starting the Phase-2. During tHe phase-2, our aim is to evolve it towards a market ready product.