E Yes: A Game-Based Aid for Children's Amblyopia

Amblyopia Trainer by Chien-Chen Lai: A Visionary Approach to Children's Eye Health

The inspiration behind E Yes stems from the alarming fact that at least 12 million children worldwide suffer from amblyopia, a problem caused by poorly developed visual areas of the brain. Recognizing that the prime time for amblyopia treatment is before the age of eight, Chien-Chen Lai set out to create a solution that is not only effective but also engaging for children.

E Yes stands out with its unique properties. It encourages amblyopic children to perform visual zoom, dedicated eye muscle exercise, and color discrimination through various modular combinations. The lens on both sides of the telescope work with AR transparencies, allowing children to imagine and explore. The lens in the eye and the ciliary muscle is exercised when the eye switches between near and far objects. E Yes also doubles as a vision detector, enabling regular testing to track changes in children's vision and detect problems for early treatment.

The design of E Yes is realized using PP (Polypropylene) Plastic Injection Moulding, a non-toxic and high-temperature resistant material suitable for children's toys. The product measures 180mm x 160mm x 100mm, making it a compact and portable solution for vision therapy.

The design process of E Yes involved several experimental models made by 3D printing. The team considered children's ergonomics, adjusting the size to fit a child's hand and the distance between the eyes. The project began construction in May 2020, completed product validation in December 2020, and received the International Design Award Silver Award in February 2021.

Chien-Chen Lai's E Yes is a testament to the power of design in addressing real-world problems. By transforming a medical necessity into a fun and engaging activity, E Yes not only helps correct children's amblyopia but also contributes to their overall well-being and development.