Aston Vision Sciences reveals Lumio

Aston Vision Sciences has revealed its latest product, the Lumio, designed to support eye care professionals conducting anterior eye exams for patients who struggle to sit at a traditional slit lamp.

The new device builds on the launch of a filter barrier at 100% Optical in February, which can be fitted to compatible slit lamps for fluorescein observations. Find out more about the research behind the fluorescein barrier filter in OT’s 100% Optical interview with AVS.

Karl Obszanski, founder of Aston Vision Sciences, a spin-off company from Aston University, said of the new product: “We’ve decided to take our fluorescein filter out of the traditional clinic and enable clinicians to perform fluorescein eye tests in the comfort of different environments.”

The handheld device has switches for white and blue light, seven-times magnification, and a symmetrical design so it can be used in either hand.

The fluorescein filter can be clipped onto the Lumio device for fluorescein observations.

Aston Vision Sciences suggests the device can be used in domiciliary settings with patients who might struggle to sit at a slit lamp, due to mobility issues for example, or children who might have difficulty focusing.

Obszanski said: “The Lumio is the perfect device that allows for white and fluorescein blue observations to be conducted on the patient’s anterior eye.”

Paul Chapman-Hatchett, an optometrist and non-executive director of Aston Vision Sciences, described his experience in domiciliary settings and the difference the Lumio could make for eye care professionals, sharing: “This allows you to lean over and put the equipment where you need it to be, to make your assessments and your clinical judgements.”

The Lumio device has been designed to be as light and easy to hold as possible between the thumb and finger. Chapman-Hatchett explained that weight was a “critical” feature of the device, “because you want to be able to hold it as steadily as possible.”

The white light is beneficial for observing the anterior surface of the eye, he suggested, such as in epilation of ingrowing eyelashes.

Chapman-Hatchett shared that in domiciliary, “patients can often be, through no fault of their own, slightly non-compliant, either because of a physical disability, or mental disability. What we want is a piece of equipment that is flexible, and easy to manipulate and put into positions.”

He added that the clip-on fluorescein barrier significantly enhances the image, providing greater confidence to the clinician in talking to the patient about any observations made, such as dry eye.

“We’re giving clinicians the opportunity to diagnose more effectively with the barrier filter,” he said.

The device is powered by coin cell batteries, which are easy and affordable to replace, Obszanski said, but provide hours of usage.

The Lumio device is expected to be released to the market in early October.

In the meantime, work is progressing on Aston Vision Science’s ‘star’ product – a portable eye examiner for digital imaging of the front, middle, and back of the eye.

Obszanski shared that the device will have multifunctionality, combining “several large devices into a single handheld solution.”

The device could be used by clinicians in settings ranging from traditional hospital clinics, to domiciliary environments like care homes, or in rural environments in developing countries.

Aston Vision Sciences explained that the product is entering the regulatory process and is set to be revealed in the coming year.

“It’s really going to blow your socks off,” Obszanski said, adding: “We really think it’s going to be a ‘wow’ device. We’re excited.”