Vista User Guide

Your Vista device runs the IrisVision app, and its voice assistant is named Iris.

Important Information

Foreword

Welcome to the user manual for IrisVision Vista — your essential guide to the optimal and safe use of this cutting-edge custom headset. Please note that the information contained in this manual is subject to change without prior notice. To ensure you have the latest version, please visit IrisVision’s website at https://irisvision.com or get in touch with your authorized distributor.

Before delving into the details, it’s important to clarify that this user manual focuses on providing crucial instructions for using the IrisVision Vista headset effectively.

We urge you to carefully read and understand this manual. Store all user manuals in a secure and easily accessible location for future reference. If you have any questions or feedback regarding this manual, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.

Within this manual, you will find the recommended inspection and preparation procedures to follow before utilizing the IrisVision Vista headset. Additionally, we outline essential precautions to take when disposing of the product after use, ensuring both safety and environmental responsibility.

It is of utmost importance that you adhere to all the instructions provided in this user manual. Failure to do so could lead to severe injuries to the patient, user, or a third party, as well as potential damage to the equipment.

At IrisVision, our mission is to empower individuals with visual impairments, offering them an immersive experience that goes beyond mere visual aid. We are committed to providing technology that enhances independence and enables users to engage confidently with the world.

Thank you for choosing IrisVision Vista. Together, we embark on a journey of enriching lives and redefining possibilities for those facing visual challenges.

Intended Use

IrisVision Vista is a custom headset designed as a visual aid and rehabilitation platform intended to assist individuals with visual impairments in engaging with the world and achieving new levels of independence. The device is not intended to provide explanations or guidance for endoscopic techniques.

The primary intended use of IrisVision Vista is to enhance visual perception and provide magnification to aid users with visual impairments in daily activities, such as reading, recognizing faces, and navigating their surroundings. The device is intended to be used under the guidance and supervision of qualified healthcare professionals or caregivers.

IrisVision Vista is recommended for use in various environments, including but not limited to homes, educational settings, and community spaces. It is intended for use by individuals with visual impairments of different age groups, with appropriate adjustments made to accommodate individual needs.

The device is designed to be used with compatible accessories. Users are advised to follow the recommended inspection and preparation procedures outlined in this user manual before utilizing the headset.

Indications for Use

IrisVision Vista is indicated for use by individuals with visual impairments to enhance their visual perception and achieve improved independence in daily activities. The device serves as a visual aid and rehabilitation platform, offering magnification and image enhancement to support users.

Device Common Names

Wearable Visual Aid, Visual Aid, VR Visual Aid, Assistive Visual Aid.

Description of Vista

Device Description

IrisVision is an assistive device designed for people with low vision, combining virtual reality technology with custom software. It is an effective, low-vision solution available for individuals with Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa, and other ocular disorders.

Package Contents and Accessories

Your IrisVision device comes with the following items:

• IrisVision Display Unit
• Headset
• Remote Control
• Cleaning Cloth
• Carrying Case
• Lanyard
• Direct Charging Cable

NOTE: An optional external battery is not included.

Setting Up Wi-Fi

IrisVision can be configured to connect to your Wi-Fi. A Wi-Fi connection allows our Customer Support team to assist you more efficiently and is necessary for certain mode functionality. Wi-Fi will also allow your device to automatically receive software updates.

NOTE: IrisVision does not require Wi-Fi to function in every mode, but it is highly recommended.

Removing the Display Unit

Release the IrisVision Display Unit from the headset by pushing the clip away from the Display Unit. Carefully remove the Display Unit and set aside the headset.

Powering On the Display Unit

Press the power button on the right side (or upper side when in the headset).

Configuring Wi-Fi

1. Go to the Home screen. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and press the small white rectangular box.
2. Swipe down from the top of the screen until the fan (Wi-Fi) icon is visible.
3. Long press that icon until the list of available networks appears.
4. Select your network, and then enter the password.

Positioning the Display Unit

1. Insert the Display Unit into the headset by centering it against the lenses as displayed. Ensure the camera aligns with the opening in the outside cover.
2. Securely lock the Display Unit into the headset by pushing the outside cover up against the back.

Charging Instructions

Your IrisVision can be charged by plugging the direct charging cord into the display unit. Your IrisVision will take approximately two hours to fully charge and will automatically return to Focus mode when powered on. The device will charge fastest when completely powered off before charging.

Here are some important battery tips:

• You may charge your IrisVision while in use.
• The IrisVision will give audible notifications when the battery drops to 20%, 15%, and 10%. When the battery gets to 8%, the device will shut off.
• It is recommended that you completely power off the IrisVision when not in use for more than a few hours.
• Your IrisVision will automatically go into sleep mode when idle for 30 minutes in all modes except Television. In Television mode, the device will never go to sleep.

Instructions for Using Vista

Preventive Measures

General Precautions

• Keep away from direct sunlight. It is especially important to keep the headset lenses away from any direct light source. These lenses are magnifiers and can cause damage to the screen of the display unit.
• Keep the IrisVision dry.
• Never walk while wearing the IrisVision headset.
• Never drive while wearing the IrisVision headset.
• Your IrisVision device will speak. You can lower the volume, or turn off audio entirely.

Warnings

• Using the headset can result in short-term side effects which can include: nausea, motion sickness, disorientation, headaches, eye strains, and blurred vision. These typically subside after an initial adjustment period.
• If you experience any side effects, discontinue use and stay seated until symptoms stop. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor.
• Do not turn on accessibility options on the display unit, as this can interfere with the IrisVision software.

Using the Remote Control

Every time the device is powered on or woken from sleep mode, the remote needs to be reconnected. This will happen automatically when the remote is powered on. Press the power button on the remote until the blue light appears. Wait until the device says “remote controller connected” to begin use.

NOTE: If the remote does not connect, ensure that charged batteries are in the remote.

The remote controls provide the following functions:

• Voice Command Trigger — press to activate voice commands.
• Push Up / Push Down — move up and down in menus.
• Push Right — increase a feature on an adjustment scale.
• Push Left — decrease a feature on an adjustment scale.
• Power Button — power the remote on and off.
• Voice Command Button — activate voice commands.
• Button A — open menus and select features.
• Button B — close menus and close features.
• Button X — navigate forward in the mode carousel.
• Button Y — additional navigation.

Direction for Use

Powering On

Power on the Display Unit by pressing the power button on the right side of the display unit. When the display unit is in the headset, this button will be on top.

Wearing the Headset

Place the headset on your head and adjust the side straps for a secure fit. The display unit should be centered over the lenses with the power button facing up. The camera should be centered in the cutout of the headset cover.

NOTE: Do not walk around while wearing the IrisVision headset.

Setting Up Focus

The IrisVision headset allows for individual lens focus. To adjust the focus, slowly turn the wheel above the intended lens.

1. After powering on your headset, it should automatically show Focus mode. It contains an image with a large letter E, the IrisVision logo and the word Focus. If you are not in Focus mode, press Button X on the remote until you hear “Welcome.”
2. Adjust each focus wheel until the image looks as clear as possible in each lens.
3. If you are seeing a double image or overlapping image, adjust the IPD (Interpupillary distance). This can be done by rotating the wheel at the top center of the headset. The IPD wheel rotates left and right, the lens focuses rotate front and back.

Vista Modes

After adjusting the focus wheel, use the remote to navigate through the other modes. You can also give a voice command to go directly to any mode.

NOTE: Each mode is customizable. You can adjust brightness, field of view, contrast and more.

Listed below are the five main Vista views with their menu options.

Welcome Mode

The Welcome mode is the first mode upon starting up your device, and has a high contrast image to help set your focal point. This mode is designed to help you achieve the best clarity before you begin using your device. Make adjustments to fit your needs with the dials on the top of the headset; the focus dials are located over each eye, and the IPD dial is located in the center. You also have the option to turn off either the right or left lens, one at a time, to help better focus the image. Simply select the options in the Welcome mode context menu, or use a designated voice command. Once the clarity is set for you, you can turn both lenses back on through the context menu or with a voice command.

Scene Mode

Scene mode is the default Live View mode. This mode replicates the vivid colors and contrast of the scenery in front of you. Experience a brighter image with auto focus and zoom in up to 14 times magnification.

Bubble Mode

The Bubble mode is similar to the Scene mode but with the addition of a circular magnifier or “bubble” in the center of the screen. The bubble allows you to magnify specific objects while maintaining the context of your surrounding area. You can increase or decrease the bubble size within the menu of Bubble mode, or using the following voice commands: “increase bubble size” or “decrease bubble size.”

This mode is especially useful for reading signs, recognizing faces, or focusing on fine details without losing environmental awareness.

Reading Mode

The reading modes are designed to provide the highest contrast for reading text on a page. The default setting is Reading Light, which is a white background with black text. To create the best reading environment, ensure that any text is placed on a steady surface with clear overhead lighting.

Additional Reading Modes

• Reading Dark: A black background with white text.
• Reading Yellow: A yellow background with black text.
• Reading Yellow Inverted: A black background with yellow text.
• Reading Green: A green background with black text.
• Reading Line: A feature unique to the Reading mode. When it is turned on, the screen displays a magnified line in the center of the screen. This allows you to read 1–2 lines of magnified text at a time, rather than the entire page. The line size can also be adjusted in the context menu to be larger or smaller. The reading line can be turned on or off, and paired with any of the reading color modes. For example, you can turn on the reading line with the reading yellow mode.

To navigate to other reading modes, open the context menu using the remote control within the reading mode. Then, scroll down to the desired color mode and select it. Once selected, anytime you return to the reading mode, that color mode will be active. Alternatively, you can use a specified voice command to activate the other reading modes.

Example: While in the Scene mode, initiate a voice command and say “reading dark” to be taken directly to the Reading Dark mode.

RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa) Mode

If you are living with Retinitis Pigmentosa or any condition that causes reduced peripheral vision, this mode is designed just for you. While utilizing the same vibrant colors as scene mode, the RP mode allows you to easily customize your Field of View (FOV) so that all objects are inside your viewing area.

To accommodate your needs and obtain optimal viewing, adjust the size of the FOV as follows:

1. Increase the FOV (make the image larger) by pushing up on the remote joystick.
2. Decrease the FOV (make the image smaller) by pushing down on the remote joystick.

NOTE: You can also zoom in on a particular object or entity within your FOV. Use the remote control to zoom or give a voice command.

Television Mode

Television mode is great for viewing the display on your television or computer screen. To optimize your viewing experience and camera lighting, it is best to be centered in front of the screen when using this mode. Television uses the camera’s exposure compensation to provide the best viewing experience. Use the appropriate voice command to modify this setting.

TIPS: The headset will not go to sleep automatically in Television mode. To conserve battery life, use a voice command or menu option to power off the device or put it in sleep mode while not in use.

Outline Mode

The Outline mode helps identify surroundings and items in your environment by creating an outline around obstacles or objects. The default setting is Outline Light, which is a white background with black outlines. This mode has unique settings, like outline size and sensitivity. Outline size can make the lines smaller or larger, and sensitivity controls the level of detail in the image.

Additional Outline Modes

• Outline Dark: A black background with white outlines.
• Outline Color: A colorful background with black outlines.

To navigate to other outline modes, open the context menu using the remote control within the outline mode. Then, scroll down to the desired color mode and select it. Once selected, anytime you return to the outline mode, that color mode will be active. Alternatively, you can use a specified voice command to activate the other outline modes.

Example: While in the Television mode, initiate a voice command and say “outline color” to be taken directly to the Outline Color mode.

Vision Cast

Vision Cast allows you to stream content into the device from your television or computer screen.

Photo Gallery

The Photo Gallery mode compiles all of the photos you have taken with the device into a grid. You can take photos in any of the live-camera modes, like Scene, Television, Reading, etc. Those images will be saved in the Photo Gallery, where you can expand and refer to them any time.

OCR

The OCR feature allows you to capture text on a page and read it aloud from your device.

To use the OCR feature, start in either the Scene, Reading, Television, or RP mode. Then, open the menu and select the “capture text” option to begin the OCR readout process. A countdown from three will start, prompting you to position a page of text clearly in front of the camera. After three seconds pass, the device will take a photo of the page and read aloud the text that has been captured. Alternatively, you can also use the “capture text” voice command in the modes mentioned above to start the process.

NOTE: You can also pause/play your readout by selecting the corresponding option in the menu or saying the appropriate voice command. If you change modes during a readout or pause a readout for 15 minutes, you must restart.

YouTube

With the YouTube mode, users can easily search and watch local news stories, recipes, instructional videos, Do It Yourself tutorials, and much more from their headset. To watch YouTube videos, begin by navigating to the YouTube mode. The YouTube mode will first display a feed of IrisVision videos.

If you would like to search for another video, activate a voice command on your remote, and say the word “search” followed by the video you are looking for. For example, you could say “search Italian recipes.” Additionally, if you are already watching a YouTube video, open the video menu and select the “video search” option; this will also activate voice commands, and you can say the name of the video you would like to find.

Wake Word

The “Wake Word” feature allows you to use your Vista more hands-free. When the Wake Word is on, the device listens for the name “Iris” to activate voice commands. To turn it on, activate a voice command with your remote and say “wake word on” — or go to Settings and turn on the Wake Word from the menu. Once it’s on, simply say “Iris” anytime you want to give a command, and you won’t have to use your remote. To turn it off again, say “wake word off.”

Settings

The Settings mode presents device information and system-wide options that can be customized.

Voice Commands

Your Vista has a built-in voice assistant named Iris. You can talk to Iris in everyday, natural language — there’s no need to memorize exact phrases. Just ask for what you want (“make it bigger,” “read this to me,” “turn it up,” “go to reading mode”) and Iris will take care of it or answer your question. You can speak to Iris in the language you’re most comfortable with.

Two ways to talk to Iris

• Press the trigger button on the top of the remote until the listening banner appears or the device chimes, then speak.
• Say the wake word “Iris” to give commands hands-free. Say “wake word on” (or turn it on in Settings) to enable it, and “wake word off” to turn it back off.

Common things you can say

• Switch modes: “welcome” or “focus,” “scene,” “bubble,” “reading” (plus “reading dark,” “reading yellow,” “reading green,” and more), “outline,” “television,” “vision cast,” “photo gallery,” “YouTube,” “settings,” or “RP.”
• Magnify: “zoom in,” “zoom out,” “maximum zoom,” “reset zoom.”
• Adjust the image: “brightness,” “contrast,” “exposure,” “field of view,” and “sensitivity” — each also works with “increase,” “decrease,” “maximum,” “low,” or “reset” (for example, “increase brightness” or “reset contrast”).
• Read text aloud: “capture text” (or simply “read this”) to have a page read to you, then “play” or “pause.”
• Reading line: “reading line on” or “reading line off.”
• Photos: “take a picture,” “photo gallery,” “next picture,” “previous picture,” “open picture,” “close picture,” “delete.”
• Audio: “volume,” “increase volume,” “decrease volume,” “audio speed.”
• Lenses & focus: “turn off right lens,” “turn off left lens,” “turn on both lenses,” “recenter,” “IPD.”
• Device info: “battery,” “serial number,” “system info.”
• Power: “sleep” or “shut down.”

Make Iris your own

You can ask Iris to change how she sounds — for example, “use a female voice,” “use a male voice,” or a different accent such as “British voice” or “Australian voice.” You can also show or hide the on-screen text hints by saying “text hints on” or “text hints off.”

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Tips

• Wipe the outer parts of the headset with a dry, soft cloth or wipe.
• Remove the phone from the headset and wipe it down with a dry, soft cloth or wipe. Dust particles and smudges can collect on the screen or camera lens.
• Wipe down the lens bubbles on the inside and outside of the headset to remove dust particles and smudges.
• The foam lining of the headset that presses up against your face and the straps that go around your head can be removed for cleaning. Run them under warm water, use a mild soap to scrub, and then rinse and air dry them.
• If you use a lens cleaner, we recommend that you spray it on the cloth first, and then wipe down the headset.

How to Turn Off Your Headset

1. With the headset front cover tipped open, press and hold down the power button on the side of the phone above the volume adjustment. You will hear four beeps to confirm that the headset is about to power off. You may also power off the headset by activating a voice command and saying “Power off” or “Shut down.”
2. The screen will soon turn black and the unit will power off. You can then put it away.
3. To turn your IrisVision back on, press and hold down the power button for five seconds until you feel the button vibrate. It will take about 20 seconds to reboot fully, and then Focus mode will appear. Your IrisVision is ready for use.

Warranty

Your Vista is covered by a one-year limited warranty, and customers in North America have a 30-day evaluation period. For the full details — what’s covered, the evaluation window, returns and restocking fees, and EU/UK rights — see our Warranty & Trial page.

To start a return or warranty claim, contact IrisVision Customer Support at support@irisvision.com or +1 855 207 6665, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET.

Troubleshooting

If your Vista isn’t behaving as expected — it won’t power on, voice commands aren’t responding, or it needs a refresh — see Vista Troubleshooting for step-by-step fixes, or contact our support team.

Contact

Need help? Our team is here for you.

• Email: support@irisvision.com
• Phone: +1 855 207 6665
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET