Boston: U.S. scientists at Harvard Medical School's Schepens Eye Research Institute are optimistic about a visual device that may prove a boon to people with tunnel vision.

During a study to gauge the success rate of the high-tech device, researchers found that there was a marked increase in the way the visually impaired were able to place their finger on objects. This contraption, which comprises of a small camera, pocket-sized computer and see-through computer display on a pair of glasses, may just be what the doctor ordered for visually impaired individuals. It is estimated that 1-in-200 Americans above the age of 55 suffer from tunnel vision.

"We are very pleased with the results of this first evaluation and hope that with further study and refinement, we may soon make this device available for the public," said Dr. Eli Peli, author of the study and the brain behind this device.