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Can $2,500 and a Smartphone App Double the Success of Sight-Restoring Surgery? New Orbis International Study Says Yes

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NEW YORK, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new study from global eye care nonprofit Orbis International, published today in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, reveals a surprisingly simple solution to a major global health challenge. By combining a free smartphone app, focused on quality improvement, with a modest “micro-investment” of $2,500, 11 hospitals in Ethiopia nearly doubled their cataract surgery success rates, increasing the share of patients with good vision after surgery from 32.2% to 56.0% within months—a significant step toward the WHO’s global benchmark of 80%.

Cataract is the world’s leading cause of blindness, affecting 102 million people. While the surgery is inexpensive and straightforward, outcomes in low-resource settings are often mixed. Led by Orbis International, the BOOST Africa Study lays out a “blueprint for sight” that challenges conventional approaches in international development, showing how small, data-driven surgical fixes can be more effective than large infrastructure investments.

The “Diagnostic Discovery”

The study used the Better Operative Outcome Software Tool (BOOST), a free app that allows surgeons to track their surgical outcomes in real time. The data revealed a significant trend: the primary cause of poor vision after surgery wasn’t the surgeon’s lack of skill, but undetected co-morbidities like glaucoma or retinal disease.

“The app gave our partners in Ethiopia a mirror to see their own performance,” said Noelle Whitestone, co-author and Orbis International researcher. “We discovered that frequently it wasn’t the surgery failing; it was the screening. By providing just $2,500 per facility, hospitals were able to purchase specific diagnostic tools, such as indirect ophthalmoscopes, needed to identify the right patients for surgery. This result underscores that change doesn’t always require advanced technology—sometimes basic tools and skills are enough.”

A Tale of Two Countries: The Zambia Lesson

The study also provides a rare, candid look at the logistical “last mile” of global health. While Ethiopia saw rapid success, five partner hospitals in Zambia faced significant delays due to procurement and supply chain hurdles.

“Our work in Zambia shows that data is a powerful diagnostic tool for a surgical team, but its value is realized only when the infrastructure supports them,” said Whitestone. “When a surgeon identifies a specific need through the app, we must ensure they have the administrative and financial backing to secure the necessary equipment and training. This study confirms that for digital health to be effective, it must be paired with funding that responds to the surgeon’s own findings.”

A Scalable Model for 2030

As the world strives to meet the WHO 2030 targets for eye care, the BOOST Africa Study offers a cost-effective, high-tech roadmap. By using e-health tools to standardize quality, even the most remote clinics can achieve high-level results. The BOOST app empowers surgeons to track their own results over time, compare outcomes with peers globally, and identify areas for improvement in a supportive, non‑threatening, data‑driven environment. By translating performance data into practical, actionable feedback, the platform opens new opportunities for skills exchange, continuous learning, and sustained improvements in surgical quality.

This study was funded by the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

About Orbis International

Orbis International works around the world to prevent blindness and restore sight for children and adults in places where eye care is out of reach—so vision problems don’t make it harder to learn, earn a living, or enjoy life. Around 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, but with the right care, 90% of it is completely avoidable. That is why Orbis trains doctors, nurses, and other eye care professionals to provide care in their own communities—and works to make sure people of all ages can access the eye exams, glasses, medicine, and surgeries they need to protect and restore their sight. Orbis began this work more than 40 years ago with the Flying Eye Hospital, a teaching hospital on a plane that brings expert training and care where they’re needed most. Today, we also work with local hospitals and clinics across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to make eye care available to more people, and we use and develop technology—like our award-winning Cybersight e-learning and telehealth platform, artificial intelligence screening, and virtual reality training—to help eye care teams treat patients more effectively. Orbis ranks in the top 3% of U.S. charities, having earned top marks for transparency and accountability from Charity NavigatorGuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau. To learn more, please visit orbis.org.

About the BOOST App

The Better Operative Outcome Software Tool (BOOST) is a free, user-friendly app that helps cataract surgical providers monitor and improve their results. Developed by Orbis and a global consortium, it is available on Android and Windows to help hospitals everywhere achieve excellence in eye care.

MEDIA CONTACT
Jenna Montgomery
Interim Lead, Global Communications and Marketing
jenna.montgomery@orbis.org 

SOURCE Orbis International

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EV All Day Launches Instant Battery-Health Check for Used Electric Cars

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A used electric car’s most valuable part, its battery, is also the one thing no advert, V5C or history check will show you. EV All Day’s new £9.99 check changes that, giving buyers an instant, independent estimate of battery health, real-world range and remaining warranty before they ever view the car.

BRISTOL, England, July 12, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — EV All Day, a UK-based vehicle verification service, has launched to give used electric vehicle (EV) buyers and sellers the check that matters most for a battery-powered car: an independent read on the condition of its battery, before they buy.

The battery can be up to 40% of an EV’s value and thousands of pounds to replace, but nothing makes a seller prove its condition. For £9.99, we give buyers that proof before they travel to view.

While UK consumers can readily check any vehicle for outstanding finance, theft and write-off status, the single biggest factor in an electric car’s value and reliability, the health of its battery, has remained effectively invisible to buyers. Standard history checks were built for petrol and diesel cars and say nothing about battery condition, and a seller is under no obligation to evidence it.

EV All Day closes that gap. For £9.99, the service delivers an instant digital report estimating a used EV’s battery health, real-world range now versus when new, and how much battery warranty remains, from nothing more than a registration and the current mileage.

The Missing Check in Used EV Buying

On a petrol car, buyers judge condition on mileage and service history. On an electric car, the number that really decides value is one they can’t see. The battery can account for up to 40% of an EV’s value and costs anywhere from £5,000 to £15,000-plus to replace, yet its condition never appears on the advert, the V5C or the MOT.

Because batteries degrade gradually with age, mileage and charging habits, mileage alone is a poor guide: a well-treated 80,000-mile car can hold a healthier battery than a hard-charged 30,000-mile one. Until now, buyers have had no independent way to tell the difference before travelling to view a car.

“On a petrol car you check the mileage and the service history. On an electric car, the number that decides value is one you simply can’t see: the health of the battery. And no seller is obliged to show it to you,” said Simon Brown, founder of EV All Day.

“For £9.99 and about thirty seconds, we give buyers an honest estimate of that battery’s health, its real-world range and how much warranty is left, straight from the listing, before they ever travel to a viewing. It’s the check that’s been missing from used EV buying.”

What an EV All Day Check Shows

Every £9.99 report is built around an EV-specialist battery and range core, powered by ClearWatt, and cross-checked against official DVSA MOT and mileage records.

The report may include:

An estimated battery-health reading and range retention versus when newA battery-health grade (such as A+) where a manufacturer test record existsExpected real-world range now, shown side by side with the official WLTP figureRemaining battery warranty in miles and months, with an Active or Expired badgeUsable and total battery capacity (kWh)Charging, running cost, efficiency and full specification, where that data is held (powered by EV Database)Full MOT and mileage history from the DVSA, which also feeds the range estimate

The service is offered through two entry points to suit how buyers search: an EV Battery Health Check that leads with the battery reading, and a fuller Used EV Check that adds charging, running-cost and specification detail. Both are the same £9.99 report.

Crucially, EV All Day is honest about what the reading is: an estimate built from aggregated real-world data plus the specific car’s age and mileage, with a manufacturer grade shown where a test record exists, not an OBD-measured State of Health. It is the read buyers can get from a listing, before they ever contact the seller.

Coming Soon: A Full EV History Check

A comprehensive EV history check, bringing battery condition, charging and running costs, and full vehicle provenance together in a single report, is scheduled to follow, giving used EV buyers everything they need in one place.

Reducing Risk in a Fast-Growing Market

As more electric cars reach their second and third owners, so does the risk of undisclosed battery degradation. A tired battery can look identical to a healthy one on a forecourt, and dashboard range figures alone can mislead. Heavy, frequent rapid charging can roughly double the rate of battery wear, meaning two seemingly identical cars can hold very different batteries.

By providing an independent estimate of battery health and range, EV All Day helps buyers verify a used EV’s real condition rather than relying on seller claims, and helps sellers with a healthy battery evidence it to support their asking price. UK market research suggests buyers pay several hundred pounds more for a used EV with evidenced battery health, and that such cars sell noticeably faster.

Designed for Buyers, Sellers and the Trade

EV All Day is designed for use by:

Used EV buyers, screening listings and verifying battery health before travelling to viewPrivate sellers, evidencing a healthy battery and remaining warranty to support asking pricesDealers and traders, appraising electric vehicles quickly and consistentlyEV owners, understanding their car’s battery condition over time

The service is intended to complement existing vehicle history checks rather than replace them.

How the Service Works

Using EV All Day involves three steps:

Enter a UK registration number and current mileage, with no VIN required. The car is confirmed as an eligible EV before any payment is taken, and mileage is pre-filled from the latest MOT.Complete a single secure card payment of £9.99 through Stripe, with no subscription and no account.Receive the report in seconds, delivered three ways: instantly on screen, as a downloadable PDF, and as a copy by email.

If a report cannot be generated because data is unavailable for the vehicle, the customer is refunded in full, automatically. Coverage spans the mainstream UK electric market, including Tesla, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Volkswagen, BMW, MG and Jaguar, among many others.

The Switch to Electric Is Accelerating

The launch comes as electric vehicles take an ever-larger share of the UK market, with registrations climbing year on year and new petrol and diesel car sales due to end in 2030. As more of these vehicles reach the used market, buying with confidence increasingly means knowing each battery’s real condition, not just its mileage.

Availability

EV All Day is available now at evallday.com. Reports are delivered instantly where data is available, with an automatic full refund where a report cannot be generated.

About EV All Day

EV All Day is a UK-based vehicle verification service focused exclusively on electric vehicles. Operated by EV All Day Ltd and based in Chepstow, the platform combines EV-specialist battery and range data from ClearWatt with vehicle specification data from EV Database and official MOT and mileage records from the DVSA, helping buyers, sellers and the trade judge a used EV’s true condition. Reports cost £9.99, with an automatic full refund where a report cannot be generated.

Media Contact

Simon Brown, EV All Day, 44 01632 961111, hello@evallday.com, https://evallday.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/ev-all-day-launches-instant-battery-health-check-for-used-electric-cars-302823331.html

SOURCE EV All Day

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AlgoLaser Launches DIY KIT MK3: Start, Just That Simple–A Smarter Way to Laser Engrave

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SHENZHEN, China, July 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AlgoLaser, a global leader in smart laser engraving technology, today officially launched its latest desktop laser engraver: the DIY KIT MK3. For years, complex assembly, cumbersome operation, and steep learning curves have kept many creators from exploring laser engraving. The DIY KIT MK3 eliminates these barriers. Built around the core promise to ‘Start, Just That Simple,’ it features optimized structural engineering, an intuitive AlgoOS-powered HD touchscreen, and significantly boosted laser performance. From unboxing to final creation, the DIY KIT MK3 seamlessly streamlines the entire process while delivering exceptional value.

Streamlined Assembly for Immediate Use

The DIY KIT MK3 introduces an innovative Structrix Frame, featuring precision alignment slots and cable management. Arriving 95% pre-assembled, the machine can be fully set up in just five simple steps in under 10 minutes. This completely eliminates traditional frustrations like belt tensioning, repeated alignments, and messy wiring.

Intelligent, Computer-Free Operation

Powered by the proprietary AlgoOS, the built-in HD touchscreen enables fully offline, standalone operation. It boasts smart parameter recommendations, drag-and-drop positioning, and direct image processing. Combined with over 400 ready-to-use projects and creative tools like AlgoType and AlgoSketch, the system allows beginners to start creating instantly—no computer or technical expertise required.

Enhanced Power and Speed for Higher Productivity

Equipped with new 8W, 15W, and 20W laser modules, the DIY KIT MK3 delivers up to a 60% power increase over its predecessor. Robust structural and material upgrades fully harness this power, ensuring stable, high-precision engraving at speeds up to 15,000 mm/min. Additionally, the spacious 400×400mm workspace and an efficient repetitive processing mode make intricate designs and small-batch production highly practical, empowering users to easily monetize their craft.

Modular Design for Long-Term Flexibility

The DIY KIT MK3’s modular architecture supports seamless laser module upgrades and effortless integration with accessories like rotary attachments. This flexibility adapts to diverse needs—from scaling an Etsy business to exploring family DIY projects. Furthermore, with an optional Class 1 safety enclosure and multiple built-in monitoring systems, the DIY KIT MK3 provides peace of mind, making it safe for both commercial studios and home environments.

Availability

The DIY KIT MK3 is now available for pre-order exclusively on the official website, algolaser.com. From July 11–31, customers can order during the Super Early Bird window and enjoy exclusive perks, including free gifts and bonus points. It will then launch globally on Amazon and other major platforms starting August 1.

Order now to secure early access before the worldwide launch.

About AlgoLaser

AlgoLaser is a global provider of smart laser engraving solutions, dedicated to empowering makers, educators, and everyday creators around the world. By pairing high-performance hardware with the intuitive AlgoOS operating system, AlgoLaser breaks down technical barriers to make professional-quality creation as simple as everyday printing. The company is committed to helping users of all skill levels effortlessly transform creative ideas into reality, making laser technology easier, safer, and accessible enough for every household. For more information, visit www.algolaser.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/algolaser-launches-diy-kit-mk3-start-just-that-simplea-smarter-way-to-laser-engrave-302822637.html

SOURCE AlgoLaser

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DRAI Health Introduces SpaceXAI-Powered Personalized Voice Interaction in heyDRAI

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New capability delivers more natural, adaptive, and human-centered voice-guided healthcare experiences

LOS ANGELES, July 11, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DRAI Health today announced the launch of a new personalized voice interaction capability within heyDRAI, its AI-powered healthcare platform. Powered by advanced SpaceXAI technology, this innovation enables more natural, expressive, and context-aware voice-guided healthcare interactions, further advancing DRAI Health’s mission to deliver truly patient-centric digital care.

“By integrating SpaceXAI technology into heyDRAI, we are enabling a more natural, adaptive, and emotionally intelligent interface that enhances how patients interact with healthcare information.” said Gor Galstyan, CTO of DRAI Health.

The new capability transforms AI-guided consultations from static, text-based exchanges into dynamic, conversational experiences tailored to each individual user. Patients can select from a range of voice styles—such as calm and reassuring, clear and clinical, or energetic and motivational—allowing interactions to align with their personal preferences and emotional needs.

Unlike conventional text-to-speech systems that simply vocalize scripted content, heyDRAI’s SpaceXAI-powered voice interaction is designed to understand conversational context, adjust tone dynamically, and deliver responses in a more human-like manner. This creates a more engaging and intuitive experience that helps patients feel more comfortable, attentive, and connected throughout their healthcare journey.

Each user’s preferred voice profile is retained across interactions, ensuring continuity and personalization over time, while maintaining flexibility for users to modify their preferences as needed.

Technology Differentiation Through SpaceXAI Integration

The integration of SpaceXAI technology enables a new class of voice interaction that goes beyond traditional AI voice systems by incorporating:

Context-aware response generation rather than static script delivery

Adaptive tone modulation based on conversational flow and user engagement

Improved reasoning and coherence in multi-step healthcare interactions

More natural conversational pacing, reducing cognitive load for users

These capabilities are particularly important in healthcare, where clarity, empathy, and precision directly impact patient understanding and engagement.

Leadership Commentary

“Healthcare conversations are deeply personal. Our goal is to make interactions with AI feel less transactional and more human,” said Gor Galstyan, CTO of DRAI Health. “By integrating SpaceXAI technology into heyDRAI, we are enabling a more natural, adaptive, and emotionally intelligent interface that enhances how patients interact with healthcare information.”

Enhancing the Patient-Centric Healthcare Experience

The introduction of personalized voice interaction represents a significant step forward in DRAI Health’s broader vision to create a continuous, patient-centered healthcare experience spanning:

Wellness and preventive care

Symptom assessment and early intervention

Acute and chronic condition support

Post-acute recovery and ongoing monitoring

By embedding advanced voice interaction into the consultation flow, heyDRAI improves accessibility for a wide range of users, including those who prefer voice-first interaction or may have difficulty engaging with traditional text-based interfaces.

Looking Ahead

The personalized voice capability is now available within heyDRAI and will continue to evolve with additional features, including deeper personalization, multilingual support, and enhanced clinical interaction workflows.

About DRAI Health

DRAI Health is developing AI-powered healthcare technologies designed to transform how patients, providers, and health systems interact with medical information. Through platforms such as heyDRAI, the company focuses on intelligent intake, guided consultation, patient engagement, and clinical decision support.

DRAI Health’s mission is to make healthcare more accessible, personalized, and human-centered, leveraging advanced artificial intelligence combined with real-world clinical insight.

For more information, visit www.draihealth.com.

Media Contact

Kelsey Whiddon, DRAI Health, Inc., 1 818.621.1441, marketing@draihealth.com, https://www.draihealth.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/drai-health-introduces-spacexai-powered-personalized-voice-interaction-in-heydrai-302822689.html

SOURCE DRAI Health, Inc.

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