Using the Portable Eye Examination Kit (Peek) smartphone app to test eyesight was just as accurate as those from standard paper-based charts and illuminated vision boxes found in eye clinics, according to the new research published in the journal JAMA Ophthamology. Of the 233 patients incorporated in the test, all concluded that Peek Acuity software produced results equivalent to the expensive standard examination chart.

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is responsible for the development of the test, which does not depend on traditional familiarity with the symbols and letters used in the English language. Rather, Peek features letters in different orientations, for example showing a “tumbling E” on the screen. Patients stand two meters away from the smartphone and point in the direction they perceive the arms of the E to be pointing, while the tester uses touchscreen to swipe accordingly on the display.

The Peek eye-testing system was created to provide the visual impaired populations of low-income countries with new tools for diagnosis and detection. As mobile phones are widespread in emerging markets, they can be an ideal platform for eye tests.

The Peek eye-testing system was created to provide the visual impaired populations of low-income countries with new tools for diagnosis and detection.The system consists of a mobile app and clip-on hardware that turns an Android smartphone into a portable examination and diagnostic suite; it can perform several eye tests, such as visual field, visual acuity, color vision, contrast sensitivity, lens imaging for cataracts, retinal imaging, and image grading.

285 million people around the world are visually impaired, 39 million of whom are actually blind. Ninety percent of visually impaired people are currently living in low-income countries where treatment has not been available.

“If mobile applications can bring fast and accurate testing to parts of the world that rarely have access to eye tests and treatment, severe diseases and blindness can be fought more effectively,” said Carlsbad ophthalmologist Dr. Michael Tracy. “When combined with experience ophthalmology treatment, successful eye care for everyone is more possible than ever.”