Empowering Independence: Controlling a Power Wheelchair with Eye Gaze.

Mobility is far more than getting from point A to point B — it’s about getting wherever, however, enabling independence, autonomy, and connection. Power wheelchairs have long played a crucial role in enabling this freedom, offering control options to meet a wide range of physical needs. Traditionally, these chairs are steered or adjusted using joysticks, head arrays, or switches, but what happens when these access methods require movement that isn’t available to an individual? 

That’s where eye gaze technology can come in and offer an option to consider. 

Whether it’s moving between rooms, adjusting tilt, elevating leg rests, or raising the seat to make face-to-face conversation easier, eye gaze power wheelchair control opens new doors for independence and inclusion. 

How does eye gaze power wheelchair control work? 

An eye gaze accessible device is mounted to the user’s power wheelchair. On the screen, large directional controls, forward, back, left, and right are displayed, often overlaid on a live camera view of the user’s surroundings. To drive, the user simply looks in the direction they want to go.   

Once a direction is selected with eye gaze, the system instantly sends a signal to the control module of the wheelchair, just like a traditional joystick would. The chair then moves accordingly. 

Need to stop or pause? The user can either look at a dedicated stop button or rely on built-in safety features that automatically stop movement if their gaze shifts away. 

Using eye gaze for power wheelchair driving – what to consider  

For eye gaze to be a safe, effective, and practical method of control, the following areas should be considered and assessed: 

• Eye gaze access skills – Consistent eye movement and the ability to dwell, the user must be able to focus on a target and select. 

• Screen engagement – To tolerate looking at a screen without excessive fatigue, discomfort, or distraction.  

• Vision — to clearly see and interact with the on-screen controls as well as obstacles within the environment  

• Hearing –to respond to instructions and auditory cues, and sounds within the environment. 

• Cognition and safety awareness – to recognise that looking in a direction will make the chair move, problem solving and decision making to navigate obstacles, memory to learn and remember what different controls do, attention and concentration to stay focused on the task. 

• Perceptual skills – to interpret and respond to visual information, judge distances, recognise objects, understand spatial relationships, and track movement. 

• Powered mobility aid driving skills – Does the user have prior experience with powered mobility? Will this support readiness for using an access method like eye gaze? 

• Environment – where does the user want to go? Is it mostly indoors or outdoors? Are there tight spaces, ramps, or uneven surfaces? The layout of their environment plays a big role in determining whether eye gaze control will be practical day-to-day. 

• Positioning needs – Can the user access important seat functions like tilt, recline, or leg elevation through eye gaze? Independent positioning supports overall comfort and participation. 

However… Individual Assessment and Collaboration are Essential! 

While eye gaze control offers exciting possibilities, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s where individual assessment becomes critical. 

The prescribing therapist plays a central role in determining whether eye gaze is the right method of power wheelchair control for a user. This involves a thorough assessment through the use of structured assessment tools, such as powered mobility driving assessments and prescribing guidelines, to evaluate the user’s readiness, safety, and overall suitability for eye gaze access. 

It’s also important to consider eye gaze alongside other power wheelchair control options, ensuring the chosen method meets the user’s physical, cognitive, and environmental needs.  

Collaboration is key, involving the user, clinician, wheelchair technician, and assistive technology consultant ensures that the chosen solution meets the individual needs of the user. 

What equipment and support is required? 

• Eye gaze device  

• Eye Gaze-Enabled Interface Software 

• Compatible Power Wheelchair 

• Mounting System 

• Collaboration between the clinician, wheelchair technician, and assistive technology consultant  

What is Ability Drive?  

Key Features of Ability Drive®

Are you a user, clinician, or family member interested in eye gaze power wheelchair control and Ability Drive? 

Learn more about Ability Drive and trial pathways through Link Assistive here: Ability Drive – Link Assistive  or by contacting the Link Assistive Clinical Team member for your state.