Clinical

Smart Glasses Trial Envisions the Future of Veterinary Care

Veterinary technology company VetCT has announced the first UK trial of smart glasses in veterinary practice. This pioneering use facilitates remote support to veterinary teams. The trial, in partnership with Pennard Vets in Kent, has shown the potential for real-time feedback and advice from specialist vets to local clinics using the hands-free videography device.

This is the first report of Google Glass being used in a veterinary clinic in the UK. It enables remote visualisation of the line of sight of the person wearing the lightweight device. In-built microphone, speakers and a small screen in the corner of the glasses enable real-time visual and audio feedback.

One of the team from Pennard Vets in action during a Google Glass trial — One of the team from Pennard Vets in action during the Google Glass trial

Images from the Google Glasses were live-streamed from the clinical team at Pennard Vets, Sevenoaks, to a remote team of specialists from VetCT. Higher resolution images from a mobile phone camera were also streamed for comparison. The remote VetCT specialist was able to view both and remotely record, zoom, adjust lighting, annotate and send images back for the wearer of the glasses to view. They were also able to discuss the case live with team in the clinic.

Vet CT Director and Innovation Lead, Julien Labruyère says, “We have a tremendous resource of specialist knowledge and expertise within our global team and are constantly exploring new ways to provide support to veterinary teams. This first step we have taken with Google Glass marks the start of an exciting journey to make smart glasses technology useful to help vets in local practices.

Caroline Collins, Director at Pennard Vets, says, “We’re keen to explore innovation that supports our team and provides benefits for our clients and patients. Trialling the glasses has been a fascinating exercise. We’re now looking at cases where we could see the most benefit from real-time specialist feedback and hands-free capability. It could be a real game-changer in some situations, for example with remote guidance of patient examinations or complex procedures.”

Julien added, “We believe the future of veterinary care is through improving the support we can provide to clinical teams wherever they may be located. Although there are some limitations with the current technology it presents an exciting opportunity for our teleconsulting service. The next stages of development will take us to new levels of patient care for pets.”

To learn more about VetCT visit here.