This season’s hottest high-tech gadget has some truly impressive features, but you won’t have to shell out your life savings or wait in an hours-long line to get it—and there’s a good chance you’re already the proud owner of this particular piece of technology.
According to the American Optometric Association, that groundbreaking gizmo is none other than the human eye. A new initiative from the organization pits the advanced capabilities of the eye against those of other highly coveted gadgets, with a goal of educating the public about the power of the eye and encouraging them to prioritize their eye health at least as much as they do their screen time.
At the core of the initiative is “The Eye,” a physical prototype of the human eye that highlights its wide-ranging features and was created by industrial designer Sebastian Arrieta. As detailed on the accompanying website, which is laid out with all the impressive tech specs, “the world’s most sophisticated tech” offers the equivalent of a 576-megapixel camera and 2.5 million gigabytes’ worth of RAM—referring to the memory capacity of the human brain—compared to the relatively measly 48-megapixel cameras and 8 gigabytes of RAM included in the latest smartphones.
On top of that, the human eye features 14K resolution, advanced autofocus and motion detection capabilities and “cutting-edge” image stabilization, per the AOA. Plus, it has built-in shock absorption and can be used to detect hundreds of health conditions—when paired with an eye doctor, no Bluetooth needed.
In addition to the facts and figures, the website for The Eye goes on to encourage visitors to “protect your tech,” with links to find an AOA-certified optometrist and to watch a video in which an eye doctor and the designer behind the prototype discuss the high-tech capabilities of the optical system.
The Eye was on display at a multi-day pop-up event in New York City over the weekend, during which attendees were able to get a closer look at the device and learn about the importance of eye health.
In an announcement last week unveiling The Eye, the AOA noted that while a significant majority of Americans say it’s “essential” they stay up-to-date with tech device releases, that same dedication doesn’t necessarily translate to keeping up with regular check-ups of “their most advanced tech—their eyes.”
The Eye initiative is part of this year’s edition of the AOA’s Eye Deserve More campaign, a multi-year awareness push aimed at improving Americans’ access to regular comprehensive eye exams.
“With the increasing reliance on technology, people are spending more time on their screens which can lead to digital eye strain and cause significant discomfort,” Belinda Starkey, a member of the AOA’s board of trustees, said in the announcement. “Maintaining eye health is vital at every stage of life to prevent vision loss and enhance overall wellbeing. Our Eye Deserve More campaign and The Eye serve as powerful reminders that our eyes are one of the most valuable assets we have. Prioritizing in-person, comprehensive eye exams with a doctor of optometry ensures that we can safeguard the sophisticated tech we are all born with.”