How Your iPad Could Become a Visual Therapy DeviceHow Your iPad Could Become a Visual Therapy Device

Ever think that strapping an iPad to your face would be a good idea?

A design firm from Toronto does. The company has created an inexpensive headset that can turn your iPad Mini, as well as the soon-to-be released iPhone 6, into a portable virtual reality device--with benefits potentially extending to the medical field, assuming the device makes it the market.

AirVR is a Kickstarter project seeking $20,000 in funding to deliver an inexpensive, portable headset containing two lenses that can connect to your iPad or iPhone, and uses the iOS Retina software already present on those devices to create a virtual reality experience beamed directly to, well, your retina.

The MacGyver-like design is perhaps the most notable feature. The bulky headset simply straps onto your head, and connects to your iPad or iPhone allowing you to tap into one of the various apps that have already been designed to work in tandem with the device. The project was initiated by Metatecture, a design firm specializing in innovative technology.

The initial prototype is clunky at best, especially for a design firm with a decent portfolio. The device straps on over your head, dangling your iPad or iPhone directly in front of your face, not only limiting your mobility, but actively repelling any kind of social contact. How users can avoid walking into objects or prevent having their iDevices stolen remains to be seen, but the design does have advantages, too.

Developers for the Apple virtual reality device could make use of all the ports on your iOS device, allowing users to attach a controller for a more interactive experience. Plugging more devices into the device, however, would make the headset even clunkier to walk around with.

Despite the obnoxious set up, Metatecture's aim is to provide a cost effective virtual reality alternative to the likes of the Oculus Rift, and may well become a viable option.

The Oculus has recently been used for visual therapy, establishing a bridge between virtual gaming and therapy for those suffering from visual impairments such as strabismus, diplopia, and amblyopia. With the latest Oculus device costing around $350, AirVR's device could become a game changer, with pre-orders available for just $49.

Qmed posed a question to the Metatecture folks, who said that visual therapy "would be a great application for the AirVR and would allow for the use of these applications while on the go, anywhere around the world."

The benefit of virtual reality as a therapy is that it doesn't have to be device-specific. With AirVR's ability to attach to Apple products, it can open the door for different apps and games that can be downloaded with ease onto your own tablet or phone, and allows users access to these therapies wherever they may be.

AirVR believes the portability and price of their device can make it truly revolutionary in the field of visual therapy. The device can be used anywhere provided you have your Apple device with you. It's also the kind of device that often serves as a catalyst for developers to begin producing new apps and games.

Research is even being done to test the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure as therapy for those suffering from post-traumatic stress. Studies have been conducted at the University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies to explore the benefits of what they've termed "exposure therapy." This kind of therapy allows patients, guided by a trained therapist, to confront traumatic memories through a virtual reality experience.

There seems to be no doubt that the benefits of virtual reality therapy continue to increase as we explore the various possibilities of this emerging technology. AirVR's device pushes the envelope even further through an affordable device that can be easily applied to our own phones and tablets, all within the comfort of our own home. 

Kristopher Sturgis is a contributor to Qmed and MPMN.

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