Salient point #1
I just got done with the "continuity curriculum" - a week-long series of lectures between rotations that cover subjects that most of us would not otherwise be exposed to in medical school. The topics for this week included Ophthamology, the study of the human eye.
While there was much relevant information presented, I walked away with the two most important points from the entire week, which will be described below:
Salient point #1: There is a video-based vision magnification system for patients with low vision called "The Jordy." Its name is inspired by the character Geordi LaForge on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and is a head-mounted camera and display system, based on a Low Vision Enhancement System (LVES) that was initially developed at NASA. This camera on your forehead records images and transmits them with maginfication to dual screens, positioned in front of your eyes in the form of glasses. And boy, does it look cool.
When this fact was announced in class, in passing, my friend turned to me and said that she didn't get it. What's Jordy? she said. And I tried to explain that Geordi LaForge was chief engineer on the U.S.S Enterprise, and as he was born without formative matter in his eyes he required a special high-tech prosthetic V.I.S.O.R to transmit visual input directly to his brain, allowing him to see. This was met by a blank stare. You know, LeVar Burton? Nothing. Am I that nerdy? Everyone knows who Geordi is, right?
Salient point #2 will be related in a separate entry, as it deserves its own space.
I recently ref'd ST:TNG in front of Jona and Steve, and they didn't get it!!! I thought that was, like, Basic Geek, you know?
I'm not even that big of a Star Trek fan and I know Geordi. He's basically the most identifiable character they've got.
Reading the beginning of this entry made me remember to schedule a vision exam with Casey Eye, which I did. The earliest available appointment was for the beginning of July. How funny!!!
And don't forget he's also the host of PBS's Reading Rainbow, sans visor . . .
I think TNG was set in the year 2400 or something. Seeing your low-vision enhancer makes me conclude that the arc of technological advancement in ophthalmology is going to be pretty much flat for the next 400 years or so.