Eye tracking technology is a constantly evolving and exciting field, enabling people to complete everyday tasks solely with the use of their eyes. One company at the forefront of this area is DynaVox who manufacture a number of speech generation systems, including the EyeMax that allows users to communicate solely through eye movement.

The technology behind the EyeMax began life as a student project in 1983 to help someone with cerebral palsy communicate by typing out words using their eyes, which were subsequently spoken by a computer generated voice. After 30 years of developing its technology the company was recently acquired by the Swedish company Tobii making it the world leader in eye-tracking technology.

In addition to cerebral palsy, the EyeMax is designed for those with other conditions that mean they cannot communicate verbally or through touch, such as those affected by motor neurone disease, spinal cord injuries, locked in syndrome and other similar conditions.

The technology works in combination with either of DynaVox’s two hardware devices called the Vmax+ and Maestro, which offer different benefits for the user. The Vmax+ is a 12-inch screen that allows the operator to communicate through a traditional keyboard or the InterAACt software that uses symbols, photos, words or letters, exclusively or in combination. Maestro is the company's more compact and lightweight system which also allows the user to also capture memories through an integrated camera.

One of the key advantages of the InterAACt software is the freedom of expression it allows individuals to have, and the ability to use age appropriate language. Three settings are available, children, teens and adults, with words and language tailored to each age group. Environment choices also allow individuals to use phrases specific to that location such settings for birthdays, the workplace or shopping trips. One further feature is three settings that cater for differing language abilities. The first is the Emergent Communicator Setting for those beginning to use symbols to communicate, the second is Context-Dependent Communicator designed for those who have more developed skills and knowledge of basic literacy, and lastly is the Independent Communicator for those with skills equal to others in their age peer group.

For such advanced technology, cost will always be a barrier to many. The full system retails at around £9,900, with either the Vmax+ or the Maestro together with the EyeMax. However, Dynavox does provide advice on their website on how to secure funding assistance for someone who could benefit from the technology.

Below is a short video featuring Augie Nieto, founder of the exercise company Life Fitness, who uses the EyeMax system to communicate after developing motor neurone disease. He explains how the condition has affected his life and how the EyeMax has changed the way he communicates.

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