VisualR: A novel and scalable solution for assessing visual function using virtual reality

Visual function describes how well the eyes can see and process basic visual information. Testing visual function is important for diagnosing and treating eye diseases that can affect vision, but current methods for measuring it are often unreliable or too complex to be performed by users without professional assistance. We propose a novel approach that uses VR technology to enable affordable and user-friendly assessments of visual function. We developed VisualR, a VR-based application that runs on a smartphone together with a simple VR headset. VisualR enables users to perform various vision function tests by following simple instructions and providing verbal responses to the visual stimuli displayed on the screen. As VisualR is smartphone-based, it eliminates the need for costly or specialized equipment. Our work demonstrates the technical feasibility and potential of creating affordable, accessible VR-based visual test devices. We open-sourced the code of VisualR and invite the broader community to build upon this work.