Duke Eye Center is pleased to share a new collaboration supporting the Duke University Bass Connections project, “Home Design for the Visually Impaired.” Led by Diane Whitaker, OD, and Omar Mohiuddin, OTR/L, MS, MPH, CLVT, this effort focuses on improving home safety, accessibility, and independence for individuals with low vision.
DwellSafe, a healthcare technology company focused on bridging the gap between healthcare and home safety, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Duke University School of Medicine to support this student‑driven initiative. The collaboration integrates clinical expertise, occupational therapy, design principles, and emerging technologies to develop practical, evidence‑based home‑safety solutions.
A joint steering committee will guide work in several areas, including improved assessment criteria for occupational therapists, accessible home‑safety education materials, evaluation of new technologies such as AI‑enabled tools, and co‑development of research and resources that support wider implementation of validated home‑safety strategies.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing real‑world solutions that enhance safety and quality of life for people with visual impairment, while creating expanded learning and research opportunities within Duke University.