Novartis launch Vision Assistance Apps to Improve the Lives of the Visually Impaired

Novartis, in partnership with the NCBI, has announced the launch of a suite of vision assistance apps. The award-winning ViaOpta Navigator and ViaOpta Daily apps were developed to better assist those living with visual impairment. ViaOpta Navigator app enables blind or vision impaired people to move independently by providing essential information to support orientation when walking. Similarly, ViaOpta Daily uses vocal guidance and audible tutorials to help with everyday activities. The cutting-edge technology used aims to make a difference in the lives of those who live with visual impairment and who seek discreet assistance.

Loretto Callaghan, CPO Head for Novartis Ireland, said: “Novartis is proud to continually support those living with visual impairment. We work tirelessly with organisations such as the NCBI to create patient-focused innovative solutions to enhance the lives of many here in Ireland. We are delighted that patients will now have the opportunity to benefit from the use of the ViaOpta apps to improve their independence and quality of life.”

Chris White, NCBI CEO, commented on the benefits of the apps, saying: “With the help of the ViaOpta apps, people living with vision impairments can undertake everyday tasks confidently and independently. These upgraded apps signal yet another advancement for blind and vision impaired people and will help them enormously as they go about tasks like taking their dog out for a walk, shopping or going to a busy café.”

The real-world benefits of these apps can be seen in their extensive functionality. ViaOpta Navigator and ViaOpta Daily have been created to assist the visually impaired better experience the world around them in a discreet way, all at the push of a button. The various features for each of the apps are detailed below.

ViaOpta Navigator Features	ViaOpta Daily Features
Alerts (alerts and voice commands)	Weather (updates on local weather)
Directions	Magnifying Glass
Map	Timer
Junctions (junction information with directions)	Contacts (access your phone contacts)
Bookmark (destinations can be bookmarked)	Colour Recogniser
Search (search for saved destinations)	Money Recogniser
Share location with family and friends	Object Recogniser
	Scene Recogniser

For more information, or to download the ViaOpta apps, please visit www.viaopta-apps.com

The ViaOpta apps are available on both iOS and Android platforms and are also free of charge.