Columbia Technology Ventures

Medicine case for visually impaired patients

This technology is a medicine case with optically magnifying storage pouches to improve medication adherence and safety among visually impaired people.

Unmet Need: Safe medication self-management for people with low vision

Adhering to medication regimens can be challenging for patients recovering from ophthalmic surgeries and people with reduced vision, as they often have difficulties reading labels and identifying pills. Hazardous medication errors resulting in adverse health effects and hospitalizations may be avoided by assistive devices that facilitate the organization and identification of medications.

The Technology: Medicine case with optically magnifying pouches for improved medication adherence

This technology is a medication case designed to help patients with low vision access the correct medications. The flaps of this zippered case are equipped with transparent pouches of different sizes that optically magnify their contents, facilitating the identification of medical supplies. Additionally, the case can be cooled with an ice pack and is equipped with a fold-out tray for convenient use at work or while traveling. As such, this technology has the potential to improve medication adherence and reduce hazardous errors for patients with impaired vision.

Applications:

  • Medicine and toiletry case for patients with reduced vision
  • Wallet or document organizer for people with low vision

Advantages:

  • Is designed to aid patients with visual impairment
  • Has multiple transparent storage pouches that optically magnify the contents
  • Facilitates the identification of medications
  • Has a built-in tray for convenient use while traveling
  • Can accommodate ice packs for cooling
  • May improve medication adherence in patients with low vision
  • May reduce the risk of adverse health effects due to medication errors

Lead Inventor:

Debbie Caruth

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Tech Ventures Reference: