Our EU-funded research and development story

Before EYE ROLL began, SIA "Eye roll" carried out project No. VP-PI-2021/1, a technical-economic pre-feasibility study for launching the development of a new preventive eye-muscle exercise and strengthening device. The study resulted in the document "Technical-Economic Pre-Feasibility Study — Eye Health Device Eye Roll." It was funded through the European Regional Development Fund's "Technology Transfer Programme" (project ID No. 1.2.1.2/16/I/001).

On May 1, 2021, SIA "Eye roll", in cooperation with the scientific institution ISMA (Information Systems Management Institute), began implementing the project "Development and Research of a New Preventive Eye Muscle Exercise and Strengthening Device EYE ROLL and Its Applicability Methodology" (No. 1.1.1.1/20/A/038).

Project goal: to acquire intellectual property rights and economic advantages by developing, through industrial research, an innovative preventive eye-muscle exercise and strengthening device that incorporates new engineering and information-technology solutions, together with a methodology for the device's applicability, based on the latest scientific findings in optometry and vision science.

Planned completion: April 30, 2023.

In cooperation with ISMA, work began on the technical specification for the EYE ROLL device's housing and base software, as well as on developing the eye-exercise algorithms.

The University of Latvia's Department of Optometry and Vision Science began work on developing the device's applicability methodology — stimulus parameters and methods for relaxing and improving eye-muscle function.

In cooperation with ISMA, technical calculations were carried out to analyze the functionality of the EYE ROLL device's mechanisms. The main principles and mechanical solutions for the first prototype device were developed, and work continued on the software specification.

The University of Latvia's Department of Optometry and Vision Science prepared general guidelines for the device's operation and developed selection criteria for study participant groups.

In cooperation with ISMA, the device's principal electrical schematics and circuits were developed, along with assembly of the mounting components.

The University of Latvia's Department of Optometry and Vision Science completed development of the stimulus description and the experimental protocol needed to objectively assess training effectiveness.

In June 2022 the project reached its midpoint, completing the device housing and component technical specifications, the base-software technical specification, and development of the EYE ROLL device's stimulus parameters.

Control groups were already participating in the University of Latvia's study, and the first data on relaxing vision exercises and their effects were being gathered.

Together with ISMA, the device's control system was developed based on widely available microcontrollers and servo motors, along with a universal algorithm able to display any geometric figure with the required precision.

Under laboratory conditions, 20 device variants were assembled and tested. All mechanical components were 3D-printed.

An eye-exercise database was completed, supporting both tracking training and saccade exercises. A new type of device prototype was assembled and tested in the laboratory, using new small, digitally controlled servo motors for quieter operation and more precise coordinate positioning.

Research with the participating control groups involved more than 200 participants in total. Development of the eye-exercise algorithms was completed by the end of March 2023.

Work also continued on the EYE ROLL device prototype: the periodic trembling of the laser beam was eliminated, and an improved mechanical design made the device more compact and easier to use.

Amendments to the contract with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA) were approved, extending the project's implementation deadline to August 31, 2023.

The University of Latvia's Department of Optometry and Vision Science completed its study with the eye-muscle relaxation control group, with the methodology now being developed.

On August 31, 2023, the project concluded, having achieved its stated goal. Within the project: an EYE ROLL prototype was developed, including its software; the University of Latvia submitted its final deliverables — methodologies for eye-muscle relaxation and performance improvement; a patent was granted, with further international patent applications filed; two scientific articles were prepared for publication; and an extensive set of public-information activities was carried out.

Total project cost: EUR 466,737.34, of which ERDF support: EUR 319,418.98.