Over half a billion people worldwide who suffer from low vision simply have uncorrected vision. Many of these people are from developing countries and lack the money for tests and access to optometrists who administer them. Low vision prevents formerly independent individuals from leading full, independent lives. It is a key driver of poverty, carrying with it significant social stigma and risk of personal injury while at the same time limiting children's ability to learn.

NETRA is made for smart phones and designed to attach to the phone quickly and securely. The clip-on utilizes inexpensive and lightweight plastic to reduce cost and increase portability of the device. It is made up of jigsaw pieces and has no moving parts. Thit makes local manufacturing, shipping and assembly easy and inexpensive. Furthermore, it makes it possible for anyone to use the device without special training and reduces the risk of improper use. The boxy scope form was designed to replicate the style of eye devices already on the market to increase acceptance and credibility as a medical device by doctors and patients. The custom software application uses a simple user interface and a step-by-step training program to allow for anyone to follow the directions and take the test accurately.

Using only a mobile phone and a small clip-on extension, NETRA can be used to instantly detect refractive conditions and provide recommendations for correction. It is the most affordable eye diagnostic ever made and can provide access to affordable and accurate eye diagnostics for hundreds of millions of people around the world who that previously could not afford or did not have access to the test itself.

Designed by
Vitor Pamplona - Brazil, Ramesh Raskar - India, David Schafran - United States of America and Manuel Oliveira - Brazil