This project could become the first open-source research project in medical research history.
The central concept of the model includes “opening the source” of an idea or method and sharing the resources of it before it is tested or after initial testing, and making it available for researchers and enthusiasts worldwide to improve, adopt, test, and use. This model allows for research projects with low costs and rapid unbiased dissemination of information and evidence regarding the outcomes of a certain intervention.
The presented system consists of a pair of glasses with two color filters and software for use on a personal computer. The software is designed such that some active graphic components can only be seen by the amblyopic eye and are filtered-out for the other eye. Some components would be seen by both to encourage fusion. In result, the patient must use both eyes and specifically the amblyopic eye to play the games. Games will be shared throughout the community for all persons interested to use, glasses can be produced locally.

Problem

This project could become the first open-source research project in medical research history. The central concept of the model includes “opening the source” of an idea or method and sharing the resources of it before it is tested or after initial testing, and making it available for researchers and enthusiasts worldwide to improve, adopt, test, and use. This model allows for research projects with low costs and rapid unbiased dissemination of information and evidence regarding the outcomes of a certain intervention. The presented system consists of a pair of glasses with two color filters and software for use on a personal computer. The software is designed such that some active graphic components can only be seen by the amblyopic eye and are filtered-out for the other eye. Some components would be seen by both to encourage fusion. In result, the patient must use both eyes and specifically the amblyopic eye to play the games. Games will be shared throughout the community for all persons interested to use, glasses can be produced locally.

Solution

Open source research has never been done before in this sense. This study will provide an environment where researchers worldwide can collaborate and participate in, contribute to, and use the study platform and materials. In addition, the intervention is also novel. Virtual reality (VR)-based treatment has been introduced as a potential option for amblyopia management, presumably without involving the problems of occlusion and penalization, including variable and unsatisfactory outcomes, long duration of treatment, poor compliance, psychological impact, and complications. However, VR-based treatment is costly and not accessible for most children. Our proposed intervention introduces a method that encompasses the advantages of VR-based treatment at a lower cost.

Exemple

The main activity includes introducing the first open source research project, via a project website as a model for future open source research projects. The project will consist of basically disclosing the main ideas, processes, and utilities of the project, prior to testing and publication, and encouraging other researchers worldwide to use these resources and add to them (engaging volunteer work and lowering costs), while testing them simultaneously (decreasing the bias brought about by having the manufacturer or patent holder test and publish first).

Marché

This study will immediately influence the researchers and academic healthcare workers globally. Subsequently, physicians and practitioners can use the results. Ultimately, the faster dissemination of science and lower cost to obtain working therapies, will have its impact on the patients and the general population, and lower costs could mean a higher effect on low-income populations.