Access to eye care is a growing challenge in many parts of Canada, particularly in remote and underserved communities where optometrists and ophthalmologists are in short supply. Retinalogik, a Calgary-based company, developed a VR-AI based platform that provides 85% of exams done in clinics on one device, reducing costs for clinics by 60% and improving efficiency by at least 30%.
The system uses a VR headset that can be controlled through a web portal. The headset provides verbal instructions to the patient in their own language and guides them throughout their exam. Once the exam starts, specialists can monitor the exam from anywhere and guide the patient if needed. The test results are then analyzed and enhanced with insights provided by Retinalogik AI models, to help Doctors identify common eye conditions and assess the patients’ vision.
By making the system mobile and self-directed, Retinalogik aims to make eye screening more accessible, especially for populations that face barriers to traditional care. This includes seniors, people living in rural areas, and individuals with mobility or transportation challenges.
To develop the technology, the Retinalogik team combined expertise in AI, VR, and vision science. A major part of the process involved training the AI system to recognize signs of common vision issues using thousands of retinal scans. This helped ensure the system could offer useful guidance while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
One of the key insights from this innovation was that early detection matters. Many eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, can be treated more effectively if caught early. But without access to regular screening, those conditions often go unnoticed until they have already caused serious damage. Retinalogik’s tool aims to close that gap by making screening more routine and widely available.
The technology is being used in clinics across Canada and has helped reduce the time and cost associated with traditional eye exams while still having a better patient experience. With their enhanced insights, specialists can monitor exams over time and detect signs of early retinal conditions.
By turning a VR device into a medical device, Retinalogik is helping reframe how and where basic healthcare services can be delivered. The company’s approach is part of a broader shift toward digital tools that expand access while reducing cost and enhancing patient experience.
This article is part of Innovation+ in the Plus 15, a special editorial series from the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum and Digital Journal that explores how Calgary-based companies are innovating.
