MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--A new Vision Center System, designed to provide vision checks and preliminary eye screenings to patients in via kiosks in  pharmacies, shopping malls and high-traffic retail locations, is being developed by Panaseca, a health care technology firm based here.

The objective of the Vision Check vision center system, according to Bruce Solomon, president of Vision Center Systems division of Panaseca, is to attract consumers and interest them in performing preliminary eyecare self-screening and direct them to eyecare professionals for complete exams.

Consumers can conduct self-screenings at these kiosks.

To be tested, consumers position themselves in front of the system and follow an easy-to-understand set of commands using a touch-screen. Vision is tested at distance, near and computer-distance ranges, with the device's proprietary technology self-adjusting for the user's height and proximity to the screen.

The Vision Check system only advises the consumer that their vision is not OK if it is less than 20/40 in one of more of the three focal lengths and recommends calling an eye doctor for an appointment.

In addition, the system includes self-screening for dry eyes and ocular allergy and advises the user to see an eye doctor when symptoms are severe or recommends over-the-counter products if symptoms are rated mild or moderate.

Solomon noted, "the opportunity for consumer education is further enhanced by the ability to provide general vision- care and eye health information on a second screen. It will also provide an opportunity to educate people on vision care and eyecare issues."

Kiosks have been operating in pilot tests in a new upscale Safeway pharmacy location in Belmont, Calif., and other locations are planned.

The front of the kiosk panel provides the interactive, non-invasive screening; the rear panel provides educational and information videos dealing with different aspects of vision and eye health.

In market trials, said Solomon, over 90 percent of participating consumers reported that testing was easy to understand, navigate and not too time-consuming. The same percentage reported that they would be somewhat to very likely to visit an eye doctor when the self-screening recommended that they should.

Panaseca says the system will aid all consumers but also cite four groups of people as special beneficiaries: those with a family history of diabetes or glaucoma, those are who experiencing vision problems related to computer use, those undiagnosed individuals with dry eyes and ocular allergies and Baby Boomers.

Panaseca's co-founders are Jory Moon, CEO and Sherwyne Bakar, OD, executive vice president. Allen Leck, COO, with experience at CooperVision, Vision America was most recently president of Primary Eyecare Network.

The Vision Check and Vision Center System will be demonstrated during Vision Expo East in the conference area, according to Solomon. Queries can be directed to (650) 961-4002.