StrydAR Parkinson’s Walking Glasses Panel Review

One way to reduce freezing and other walking issues in Parkinson’s is through cueing. These cues can work through sight, sound or touch. StrydAR Parkinson’s Walking Glasses use visual cueing and augmented reality (AR) to help improve posture, balance and quality of walking for people living with Parkinson’s.

The glasses project a patent-pending hologram (3D digital image) of a yellow line into your upper peripheral vision (the corner of your eye). The line apparently bypasses the part of the brain that’s impaired by Parkinson’s, and sends a signal directly to the motor cortex. This is the part of the brain that coordinates movements across multiple joints and muscle groups to achieve smooth and purposeful actions. When someone is experiencing freezing of gait, or a slow, shuffling walk, the holographic image can help trigger the first walking step, break freezing episodes and increase stride length.

The product was developed in Scotland by Scott McLeod. Scott was introduced to the concept of visual cueing during a social meeting with his friend, Dr David Powney, a neurophysiotherapist. Dr Powney helped Scott see some of its benefits for people with neurological problems. 

At the time, Scott was working on a marketing campaign for a global drinks brand where he used AR to create immersive experiences. This is when he realised that AR had more potential beyond marketing and gaming.

He decided to dedicate his time to developing a wearable device that could bring visual cueing into the real world, using AR glasses. 

Explaining how the glasses differ to other visual cueing devices and walking aids, Scott told us: “The existing solutions, laser shoes, laser walking sticks and rollators all had one limitation, they required the user to look down at the ground, which could unintentionally impair balance and reduce walking confidence. 

“We wanted to create a discreet wearable device that not only moved with the user, but also encouraged a more upright posture.”

Product development began in 2019. After some years researching and testing, StrydAR launched in June 2024 as a registered medical device.

What is AR?

Augmented reality (AR) is like enhancing the real world with digital elements. Imagine a layer of computer-generated information, like images or sounds, overlaid on top of what you see through your phone, tablet or special glasses. It’s not about replacing reality, but adding to it.

The glasses come with written instructions, but all new users are also invited to join an onboarding call with Scott, the founder. Most of the review panel found the instructions “very clear,” describing the setup as “straightforward” and “easy to understand.”

A reviewer who experiences poor, leaning-forward posture and a short, slow gait, said: “The written instructions were extremely clear but I was also offered an online call. It was a very personal touch, he seemed very invested in providing a quality product.”

However, 1 reviewer thought the instructions were lacking. “I found them fairly unclear. The instructions do not explain exactly how the glasses work. But during my call, we discussed this, which was very useful.”

Unfortunately, another reviewer struggled to see the visual cue. “The poor design meant it couldn’t be used without wearing the glasses in an uncomfortable position on my face. The yellow line display was positioned way too high for it to be visible, rendering the device useless.” This reviewer decided not to continue with the review process.

Design of the glasses

Currently only available in one style and colour, the StrydAR glasses look similar to cycling glasses or ski goggles.

The 2 women reviewers were not keen on the design of the glasses, both admitting that they felt “quite self conscious” wearing them.

A 46-year-old reviewer told us: “They’re not very stylish! They’re quite masculine in design and quite conspicuous.”

She added: “They’re helpful if you can get past looking like Bono.”

The other woman said: “I did feel a bit self-conscious wearing them but no one commented on them although a couple of people looked twice. I also found them a bit heavy and that they slipped down my nose a bit.”

The men shared a very different view on the designs, describing them as “smart,” “modern” and “very stylish”.

A 71-year-old reviewer said: “The glasses are tough and wearable. They’re very stylish and some people at my indoor bowls games even commented on them. I love the headband to keep the glasses steady and in place.”

Another reviewer added: “They look good worn with casual clothes. The design is good but only in an outdoor context. It would be good to make them look like normal glasses, not cycling sunglasses.”

A 77-year-old reviewer who was diagnosed 5 years ago, pointed out that the glasses are not suitable for those who already wear glasses.

They said: “You cannot wear either prescription glasses or sunglasses with these, which is problematic when outside in bright or sunny weather.”

For the first few days StrydAR recommends that you only wear the glasses for 2 sessions per day, each of no more than 30 minutes. The sessions should be in the morning, late afternoon or early evening. This will allow you to get used to wearing the glasses.

Wearing the glasses

A 58-year-old reviewer from Oxfordshire said they found it “very easy” to integrate the glasses into their daily life. The only issue they had was that they felt “a bit cut off as the device limits peripheral vision”.

“Poor peripheral vision means I have to take extra care when crossing roads.” However, they said they felt safer out walking after the first few days. 

This reviewer, whose main Parkinson’s symptoms include walking issues, slowness and stiffness, said they were very likely to recommend StrydAR. 

“It has certainly given me more confidence and improved my walking speed. 

“My friends and my physiotherapist have commented on my improved walking and posture.”

2 other reviewers also experienced better posture, balance and walking.

“It helps somewhat with balance and posture. My symptoms are mild but I could see an impact,” 1 reviewer said.

A reviewer whose main Parkinson’s concerns are fatigue and freezing of gait, said using the glasses motivated them to get outdoors and exercise.

“Because I had the glasses, I was motivated to exercise each day. I was more motivated to go out and walk, rather than keeping to my indoor routine. My walking and posture have improved.”

Charging

The battery life of StrydAR Glasses can vary depending on how often you use them, but they typically give 4 to 6 hours of continuous use. The charger uses a micro USB charger.

4 out of our 6 review panelists mentioned that they found charging the device difficult, with 1 reviewer needing help from a loved one.

“Getting the wire into the charging port was very fiddly,” said a reviewer.

Another added: “Charging is difficult for people with Parkinson’s who can be clumsy anyway. Fitting the connection requires manual dexterity which is difficult with Parkinson’s.”

Scott from StrydAR is already aware of some of the issues that the reviewers brought up. He told the Tech Guide: “We’ve been listening closely to our community. We’re currently developing prescription lens inserts to make the glasses more accessible for those who wear spectacles. We’re also upgrading the charging system to a magnetic connection for ease of use.”

The glasses can be hired on a monthly basis for £102 each month including VAT. For people who do not have to pay VAT on medical devices, it costs £85 per month. You can try out the glasses for a free 3-week trial and the subscription can be cancelled at any time. It is also possible to purchase the glasses for £1,599.

The whole panel thought the subscription cost was too high.

A reviewer who lives off a state pension said it was “too expensive” for them. They said: “It depends on how wealthy the individual is. If they have money to spare then yes, it’s worth it. But not if the customer struggles financially.”

However a reviewer who found that using the glasses improved their posture and walking said it’s a price they’d be willing to pay.

They said: “This is a high price but it does improve my independence, as I have greater confidence, so it’s worth it.”