Colorimeter Curve in line for national award

A piece of optometric equipment that has transformed the lives of patients by making it easier for them to read has been short-listed as product of the year in annual awards run by the Association of Optometrists.

The Colorimeter Curve, designed by Professor Arnold Wilkins, an Emeritus Professor from our Department of Psychology, and Dr Martin Colley from our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, helps opticians to pinpoint the coloured tint best suited to alleviate the symptoms of visual stress, which can include headaches and visual distortions that interfere with reading.

Arnold's original mechanical design, which has been in use for 25 years, has now been updated to an electronic version, thanks to a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Cerium Visual Technologies, the Kent-based company that makes and distributes the equipment.

Professor Wilkins said: “It is estimated about one in five people experience visual stress. People with migraine, autism, stroke or head injury are more likely to experience the symptoms. In many cases these symptoms can be reduced by placing a coloured overlay onto text, or by wearing coloured lenses in glasses. The Colorimeter Curve has been a game-changer in helping opticians pinpoint the particular tint best suited to an individual’s needs.”

KTPs support UK businesses wanting to improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance by linking them with expertise in UK universities and colleges. We are the leading university in the East of England and London for KTPs, which are funded by Innovate UK.

The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on Sunday 13 January