DigiVis DVA, which was invented by Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) consultant paediatric ophthalmologist, Dr Louise Allen, can be used by pairing a smartphone with a tablet over Wi-Fi.

Patients can receive an email or text with a link to use DigiVis DVA at home on their own devices, enabling the test to be carried out before or during a video or phone consultation. Patients at risk of deteriorating vision can monitor their results at home between clinic visits and keep track of their own eye health.

Dr Allen said: ‘Trying the test in clinic gives patients the confidence to do it at home before a remote consultation. Patients suitable for this service won't need to travel to hospital so regularly. This is particularly important for those in rural locations without transport and those who find attending a clinic stressful.'

The innovation supports the Government's 10-Year Plan by dovetailing with the three main pillars – hospital to community, analogue to digital and treatment to prevention.

The project has been supported by the Medical Research Council, Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust and Cambridge University Hospital Partners, and a National Institute for Health and Care Research Invention for Innovation grant.