Eye Care Plus app has been downloaded by more than 2.5 million users
Eye Care Plus, an app created by Armenian IT engineers is gaining popularity among users. The app allows not only to diagnose vision problems without having to visit an eye doctor, but also to have an eye training plan. The co-author of the idea and project director Pavel Snkhchyan speaks in an interview with ARKA news agency about how the app was developed and their plans.
ARKA - How did you get the idea of creating an application to test and improve humans’ vision?
Snkhchyan - The idea to create the Eye Care Plus app first appeared about two years ago. Aram Mkhitaryan and I have known each other for a long time as we both worked in the field of ophthalmology. The idea came when one day we talked about vision problems across the globe. Along with the spread of information technology and the use of gadgets, humans’ vision is to continue to deteriorate. People are not going to cease the use of smartphones and tablets, so why not create a program that would combine the use of gadgets and the obvious benefit for humans’ vision? It was then, when in collaboration with ophthalmologists we began the development of the basic idea and its components. We needed technical resources and support from ophthalmologists and very soon a team of talented developers and designers were working on the first version of the project.
ARKA – What kind of vision problems does the app help reveal? How easy is it to use?
Snkhchyan – Today, 12 months after the first release we can say with confidence that the app is the only complete and integrated application to improve the human vision. It can be used to detect all the major vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, accommodation-related problems, color blindness, cataracts, glaucoma and many others. However, we emphasize the elimination of eyesight problems. We allow users to choose their own training plan, aimed at removing various visual ailments. The application is very easy to use and we are constantly improving it, based on the feedback from users.
ARKA - How can one achieve vision improvement?
Snkhchyan - About 50% of the world population suffers from visual ailments. However, 80% of them are easy to diagnose and fix in the event of timely treatment. We help users to detect the problems with vision, and above all to eliminate the ones that are subject to correction without any medical intervention. When first turned on the application asks for personal information - age, sex, race, because many diseases are more common among people of a certain age, gender, etc. We also request to specify the diagnosis, but if the user is not sure what his/her vision ailment is they should not worry because the application has a number of relevant tests. The proposed tests can identify the main problems with vision, and then create for each user an individual plan of daily training. The user can choose a goal and work towards achieving it. At the same time, we provide a number of important tips and facts about the vision, first aid and nutrition. Good vision requires an integrated approach, and the app has everything you need for it.
ARKA – On what platforms and in which languages the application is available and how many users have already downloaded it?
Snkhchyan - The latest version of the application is available on Google Play platform in English and Russian languages. Earlier versions are also available on Xiaomi, Yandex Store and GetJar platforms. So far it has been downloaded 2.5 million times and this figure is constantly growing. In the future we are going to develop software for users of iOS platform, which will allow having a wider audience.
ARKA –Are there other similar apps?
Snkhchyan - There are several similar apps that offer tests, training or useful information, but they all are presented separately and not as a single diagnostic and training application. Only Eye Care Plus is a unique ‘personal trainer" to improve vision. We take into account all aspects of the vision.
ARKA - Eye Care Plus was recognized as the best Armenian start-up at the national qualifying round of Seeddstars this past May and will represent the country at the international competition in Switzerland. What will this give you?
Snkhchyan - Participation in Seedstars is first of all another opportunity for us to present the application to a wider audience. It is important that more developing countries learn about it, where, according to statistics, medical care is practically not available. Secondly, we hope to get funding, so that to make available it to iOS users, and begin a program of cooperation with medical centers. Our application can be used for the benefit of millions of people around the world, and we hope that it will be appreciated. It can become an alternative means of support, especially for people in developing countries. -0-