Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Can a virtual reality eye exam help identify early signs of neurological disease? In this episode of Driving Discovery, researchers at UC Davis Health are bringing VR headsets into local retirement communities to provide vision screenings outside of a traditional clinic. The interactive program tests visual acuity, color and shape recognition, and pupil response, with results sent directly to each patient’s ophthalmologist. The technology makes eye care more accessible for older adults and offers a convenient way to monitor vision changes.
Neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Yin Allison Liu is also studying whether changes in visual processing and the retina — which is part of the central nervous system — may reflect brain changes that occur years before a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The device does not diagnose Alzheimer’s or other neurological conditions, but researchers are evaluating whether it can help screen for vision changes associated with cognitive dysfunction and support earlier detection, lifestyle interventions, and access to clinical trials.
Learn more about this study: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/virtual-reality-exam-checks-eye-health-and-screens-for-early-signs-of-alzheimers/2026/02
Accessibility option: An extended audio-described version of this video, including narration of important visual elements, is available here:
https://video.ucdavis.edu/media/VR+Eye+Exams+Check+Eye+Health+and+Screen+for+Early+Signs+of+Alzheimer%E2%80%99s+%28Audio-Described+Version%29/1_xzs90svi
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UC Davis Health is committed to improving health for all through collaborative clinical, translational and basic science research. Across our organization, innovative studies are driving new technologies, treatments and therapies that directly benefit patients. With more clinical trials than any other health care provider in our region and renowned research centers led by internationally recognized experts, UC Davis Health is driving discoveries that address today’s most pressing health challenges.
Driving Discovery at UC Davis Health: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM7qvIv8N9RuiFD4q7L9Afj55Zxhx2seB
Research at UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/research/
Clinical trials at UC Davis Health: studypages.com/ucdavis/home
UC Davis School of Medicine: https://medschool.ucdavis.edu
See the latest news from UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/newsroom
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#AlzheimersResearch #BrainHealth #VirtualReality #EyeHealth #DrivingDiscovery
Can a virtual reality eye exam help identify early signs of neurological disease? In this episode of Driving Discovery, researchers at UC Davis Health are bringing VR headsets into local retirement communities to provide vision screenings outside of a traditional clinic. The interactive program tests visual acuity, color and shape recognition, and pupil response, with results sent directly to each patient’s ophthalmologist. The technology makes eye care more accessible for older adults and offers a convenient way to monitor vision changes.
Neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Yin Allison Liu is also studying whether changes in visual processing and the retina — which is part of the central nervous system — may reflect brain changes that occur years before a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The device does not diagnose Alzheimer’s or other neurological conditions, but researchers are evaluating whether it can help screen for vision changes associated with cognitive dysfunction and support earlier detection, lifestyle interventions, and access to clinical trials.
Learn more about this study: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/virtual-reality-exam-checks-eye-health-and-screens-for-early-signs-of-alzheimers/2026/02
Accessibility option: An extended audio-described version of this video, including narration of important visual elements, is available here:
https://video.ucdavis.edu/media/VR+Eye+Exams+Check+Eye+Health+and+Screen+for+Early+Signs+of+Alzheimer%E2%80%99s+%28Audio-Described+Version%29/1_xzs90svi
——
UC Davis Health is committed to improving health for all through collaborative clinical, translational and basic science research. Across our organization, innovative studies are driving new technologies, treatments and therapies that directly benefit patients. With more clinical trials than any other health care provider in our region and renowned research centers led by internationally recognized experts, UC Davis Health is driving discoveries that address today’s most pressing health challenges.
Driving Discovery at UC Davis Health: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM7qvIv8N9RuiFD4q7L9Afj55Zxhx2seB
Research at UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/research/
Clinical trials at UC Davis Health: studypages.com/ucdavis/home
UC Davis School of Medicine: https://medschool.ucdavis.edu
See the latest news from UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/newsroom
——
#AlzheimersResearch #BrainHealth #VirtualReality #EyeHealth #DrivingDiscovery
