In a groundbreaking initiative, Dr Smita Prabhu, an ophthalmologist at KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC, Belagavi in collaboration with KLE Technological University, has developed a mobile application called “Ikshana” to support children with neurological vision impairments. The app is designed for children suffering from Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI). It will be available free of cost on Android devices, making it more accessible to families in need very soon.
“Many children with CVI have perfectly healthy eyes, but their brains struggle to process the visual signals,” said Dr Smita. “If we can intervene early and train the brain to interpret these signals, it can significantly enhance a child’s ability to see and, consequently, improve their intellectual development.”
Dr Smita emphasized that most existing apps catering to children with similar issues are paid and primarily available on iOS, creating financial and technological barriers for many families. “With Ikshana, we wanted to break those barriers. This app offers a unique interface that helps exercise the brain’s capacity to process what the eyes see, providing crucial support for children’s learning and development.”
The app has become particularly necessary as the incidence of neurodevelopmental issues, including visual impairments, is increasing due to factors like premature births, genetic disorders, and environmental conditions. Dr. Smita underscored the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for children with CVI: “Every child with this condition deserves access to effective vision services and education, and Ikshana is a step forward in making that a reality.”
The app was officially launched on September 21, 2024, by the Vice Chancellor of KAHER, Prof. Dr. Nitin Gangane. As the first free, mobile-based app in India designed to accommodate all stages of visual impairment, Ikshana is expected to be available soon on the Google Play Store, offering a crucial resource for families and healthcare providers alike.
