Pacific University in Oregon has opened the world’s first 3D performance clinic, equipped to diagnose and treat eye coordination problems that affect 3D vision. The new center facilitates a whole movie theater to measure binocular vision performance. The clinic will help individual patients with symptoms related to viewing 3D electronic displays but also plans to provide information to manufacturers to develop and test new 3D products.
Different companies collaborated to build this virtual 3D environment. THX provided its proficiency, advice and recruited a variety of A-list technology partners to donate THX Certified equipment. They also managed calibration of the theater room. Intel contributed toward the testing protocols that will be used in treating patients. Display systems and touch screen monitors were supplied by LG and Planar Systems. NIKE has loaned equipment for testing sports vision performance in athletes.
Dr. Jim Sheedy, director of Pacific’s Vision Performance Institute (VPI), is cited in the press release about the grand opening:
“The emergence of 3D into so many different parts of one’s life has spurred a sense of urgency in researching its effects on its users vision and balance. This virtual 3D environment provides many unique challenges to the visual system, including vision and vertigo-related symptoms. There is much yet to be known about the interaction between the human visual system and the virtual 3D environment created by 3D displays. The clinic offers treatment, including prismatic and 3D polarized prescriptions, which allow patients with 3D difficulties to comfortably view 3D as they never could before.”
Press release: EyeClinic Beaverton – A 3D Visionary Leader
Image: Pacific University Associate Dean for Clinical Programs Ken Eakland inside Pacific’s 3D Performance Eye Clinic.
