Addressing real-world patient needs through innovation
By Phillip Boughton, Public Affairs Specialist
Dr. Julie Schallhorn, an ophthalmologist with San Francisco VA Health Care System recognized a common yet significant challenge: many Veterans face difficulty administering single-dose eye drops.
In particular, among older adults and those with limited manual dexterity, including individuals experiencing tremors from Parkinson’s disease or reduced grip strength, the small squeeze vials can be difficult to hold and manage. As a result, patients may miss doses, waste medication, or forgo prescribed medications altogether.
Seeing a gap in the current marketplace, Dr. Schallhorn set out to create a simple assistive device that consists of a lightweight molded plastic tool with a hammer-style handle and a cheekbone-support stabilizer. Designed to hold the most common style of single-use eye drop vials, the front-loading device allows users to apply drops with both better alignment and support. Featuring an ambidextrous and non-slip grip, the dispenser allows patients with limited vision or muscle control to use and access the prescriptions they need.
Supported by VA’s innovation program including the Veterans Engineering Health Innovations Center (VEHICLE) out of Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and the Technology Transfer Assistance Program (TTAP), Dr. Schallhorn used her bioengineering training to work with program manager Stephanie Nogan Bailey in developing prototypes, ensuring ease of use, and designing with mass manufacturing and distribution in mind.
The effectiveness of the device will allow not only Veterans but also the general public to enjoy increased confidence, fewer missed doses, and reduced instances of eye drop spillage or wastage. For eye care providers, the device offers an affordable way to support patients struggling with manual medication delivery, particularly in outpatient, home care, and tele-ophthalmology contexts. An example of one of many inventions originating through the agency, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs filed for intellectual property protection, which enables licensing and commercial partnerships. This VA-driven innovation answers the real-world patient needs with a solution that will ultimately benefit all Americans.
Speaking about the impact of her experiences within San Francisco VA, Dr. Schallhorn shared, "Working with the Veteran population has shaped my research and my work. It is truly an honor to care for these special people, and I hope to continue to innovate to improve their lives and their quality of care."