An asymmetric VR system to configure and practice low-vision aids for social interactions in clinical settings

Patients with visual impairment often rely on low-vision aids (LVAs), such as magnifiers, to perform near-vision tasks, with rehabilitation programs traditionally focusing on these activities. Extended reality (XR) technologies offer opportunities to address broader needs, including social interactions, which require also guidance and training. We present a system leveraging virtual reality (VR) to enable realistic testing and training of LVAs within immersive scenarios. Through an observational study involving patients and orthoptists, we illustrate how this approach expands traditional care practices, integrating emerging technologies, facilitating personalization, and enabling efficient training of LVAs under conditions otherwise challenging to replicate in clinical settings.