VirtuaLens is introducing a new monovision simulation feature to its immersive virtual reality (VR) intraocular lens (IOL) Patient Education system.
This launch marks the eyecare medical technology (medtech) company’s first update since its debut in September 2025.
First, give us a look at VirtuaLens.
We’ll focus on its vision (for lack of a better word): Upgrading patients’ and surgeons’ approaches to cataract IOL selection. See more on this.
How it’s doing this: Via flagship technology—which we’ll get to in a moment—that allows patients to try on, explore, and compare different lenses in a realistic, lifestyle-based scenario prior to undergoing cataract surgery.
- Key to this experience: Its virtual component.
Let’s talk about that.
The VR IOL Simulator is designed to help patients compare how each lens type may advance their vision in various contexts and real-life situations.
How this is done: Through a simulated, customizable experience offered in an eyecare provider’s office via the VirtuaLens VR headset.
- Take note: This headset is included in the simulator’s VirtuaLens kit, equipped with other equipment and training materials (full list here).
Explain how this simulation works.
The entire simulation experience encompasses a three-step process that takes around 3 to 5 minutes.
- See here for those details—plus a visual of a patient’s simulated view.
Two questions: Who can use this, and which lens can be tested?
The headset can be worn by patients with ocular conditions such as astigmatism, cataract, hyperopia, myopia, and presbyopia.
As for the lens options, these include basic, multifocal, toric, light-adjustable, and extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF). Plus, the company has hinted at potential glasses options coming soon.
Got it. So how does this new feature fit into the simulator?
The monovision feature enables patients to experience how monovision may feel (visually-speaking) before they undergo surgery.
And as with the lens option for patients to “try out,” this latest function is offered in the real-world (albeit virtual) setting simulated through the VirtuaLens headset.
And … why add monovision to begin with?
When it comes to cataract and refractive surgery, monovision is a“blended vision” option for patients.
What it involves: Correcting one eye for distance vision and the other for near vision, enabling the brain to blend images from both eyes to provide a patient with near vision at various distances (without requiring glasses).
- Generally speaking, ECPs may recommend trying monovision with contact lenses prior to undergoing surgery to gauge their comfort and adaptation to it (as it’s not for everyone)
- But with VirtuaLens’ new feature, patients can test out this viewpoint in its VR-based simulation—without committing to it.
Nice! Now, is this an extra add-on component to the system?
The company noted that the monovision feature will be available on all of its VirtuaLens Systems.
For existing customers: The feature can be added via a software upgrade.
- Take note: While the device doesn’t require WiFi to function, a WiFi connection enables it to automatically update to the latest version, including any new features (such as monovision) or other improvements.
So where can I learn more?
VirtuaLens is offering a first look at the new monovision feature during the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) meeting next month (April 10-13) in Washington, DC.
- If you’re attending, stop by booth 560.
- And as a bonus: A speaker event will be held on April 10 at 5:30 p.m., in which leading experts will discuss how VR patient education is transforming their practices.
And if you won’t be at ASCRS: Reach out to the company directly for more information—or request a demo of the system.