An Inspirational Story: Eye Tracking Technology Can Transform Lives

I was recently touched by an article about a severely disabled young girl whose life was transformed by eye tracking technology. Eleven year old Caris has an undiagnosed condition that has prevented her from living a “normal” childhood; her limited movement and lack of physical control left her completely dependent on others. That all changed when she was introduced to an assistive device created by Tobii Technology, the Swedish company that specializes in eye-tracking technology.

The device uses a sensor that detects the reflection of harmless, infrared light off the surface of the eye to determine the exact location of the user’s gaze on the screen. Unlike wearable devices, Tobii’s technology does not require a headset or glasses, and it is intuitive and easy to learn. The device can be used to communicate through the formation of words and sentences and to control electronic devices or robotic toys, for example. It is also a learning tool; it can be used to develop reading skills, to draw pictures, play music, or to answer multiple choice questions. Whereas before, Caris depended on a communication partner, she can now interact, communicate, and learn independently thanks to her Tobii Technology device.

Eye-tracking technology has the potential to transform the lives of thousands of people who suffer from any number of disabilities that involve paralysis or lack of physical control because, oftentimes, the eyes are spared from the limitations of these conditions. Unfortunately, because the field is so new, the cost of these assistive eye tracking devices is the biggest barrier to their widespread use. The current cost for a complete Tobii system is £11,000 (approx. $17,800)!

We need more stories like Caris’s to remind us how important the little things, like communication and self expression, are and to inspire those of us involved in the eye-tracking community to continue to develop and improve the technology so that someday soon, devices like these will be more accessible to those who need them.

Eye contact – how Tobii opens learners’ worlds

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