The project utilizes a 3G-enabled mobile application developed by Xi’an Kingtone Information, smartphones powered by Qualcomm chipsets and 3G wireless connectivity to assist doctors in collecting and archiving information related to the screening and treatment of children with amblyopia in underserved communities in China.

According to the National Eye Institute at the United States National Institutes of Health, amblyopia, also referred to as “lazy eye,” is the most common cause of vision impairment in childhood. If detected early, amblyopia is treatable; however, if not, it can cause lifelong disability.

Wireless Reach, Xi’an Kingtone Information and China Children and Teenagers’ Fund collaborated to implement the Mobile Vision Project to address these challenges.

The project, which is being implemented at Hengshui City Maternal and Child Care Service Center (MCCSC) and other public health centers in Hebei Province, utilizes a custom mobile application that enables data collection and analysis, as well as helps with patient screening and diagnosis, to provide more accurate statistics and, therefore, better patient care.

“One of the focuses of the China Children and Teenagers’ Fund is on children with amblyopia, especially those in underserved areas,” said Xiaoxia Chen, general secretary of the China Children and Teenagers’ Fund.

“Wireless technology and applications enable the rapid spread of knowledge about amblyopia and other common eye diseases, which can improve local clinicians’ capabilities of screening and treatment, and provide better, more timely care to children with this condition.”