In a world where technology is continuously evolving, the potential of eye-tracking systems to glean critical insights from the eyes—the windows to our souls—has garnered much attention. LaVonda Brown’s startup, EyeGage, is at the forefront of this exciting frontier, merging eye tracking with public safety and drug testing. LaVonda’s journey, which began during her academic tenure at Georgia Tech, has now blossomed into a groundbreaking initiative poised to make a significant impact.
The Mission Behind EyeGage
EyeGage’s primary aim is to establish a comprehensive database of eye scans, enhancing our understanding of how various substances affect our ocular responses. The journey began with a striking realization: by capturing and analyzing eye scans, the company could assess not only a user’s sobriety but also potentially identify diseases or conditions. As LaVonda puts it, “Your eyes are so informative about what’s going on in your body.”
Innovative Product Offering
The launch of EyeGage’s first product—a free app that analyzes users’ eye conditions—marks an exciting milestone. Users can easily download the app and take pictures of their eyes. Based on the data collected, the app will inform users whether they are fit to drive. If the app detects signs of impairment, it displays a bold “Do Not Drive” warning along with helpful links to ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. This not only emphasizes responsible choices but also serves as a novel approach to gather valuable eye scan data.
A Growing Dataset for Future Research
By utilizing their app, users essentially enter a barter subscription service where their contributions—photos, videos, and other data—help build EyeGage’s extensive dataset. This data is crucial as EyeGage embarks on its next phase—measuring the effects of alcohol on various eye parameters. In partnership with federally approved testing facilities, participants will take part in studies where they consume varying amounts of alcohol while EyeGage collects eye scans and blood samples.
Diving into Drugs Beyond Alcohol
After establishing a robust dataset concerning alcohol’s impact, EyeGage plans to broaden its scope to include marijuana, with consideration for the rapidly changing legal landscape across states. The challenges grow when exploring substances like opioids and amphetamines, yet the startup eyes collaborations with healthcare providers as a solution to access necessary data securely and ethically.
Expanding Horizons: Beyond Individual Use
EyeGage’s application doesn’t stop at personal use. LaVonda envisions partnerships with high-risk workplaces where drug and alcohol usage is prevalent, such as construction and manufacturing industries. Additionally, law enforcement is on the company’s radar as a potential sector for bringing EyeGage’s technology to combat impaired operations.
Beyond immediate drug testing, the analysis of eye behavior holds promise across various domains, including diagnosing concussions, identifying illnesses, and even understanding the impact of caffeine or other stimulants on individuals. The prospect of a multi-dimensional dataset opens up innovative avenues for research and medical insight.
Funding and Future Prospects
To date, EyeGage has successfully raised $142,455, which includes the critical backing of $100,000 from the Google Black Founders Fund. Such support highlights the potential seen in EyeGage’s vision, emphasizing the growing interest in technology that monitors and enhances public safety while broadening our understanding of human health.
Conclusion
EyeGage is undoubtedly carving a niche in the emerging intersection of technology and health, thus reshaping the future of drug testing and user safety. By putting the power of eye-tracking technology in the hands of consumers, LaVonda Brown and her team are pioneering ways to integrate personal accountability with innovative data collection. As we look forward, EyeGage stands poised to redefine how we view and analyze health through the lens of our eyes.
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