The app from FaceHeart Vitals was one in a slew of digital health devices on display at the HLTH conference in Las Vegas this week that offered a glimpse of how digital health companies are thinking about health care's biggest problems.
Science Corporation published preliminary data this week from a late stage, multi-center clinical trial of a retina implant that showed promising results. Using this prosthetic, scientists partially restored vision to people whose central visual field has holes or blurry spots. Trial participants could read text and recognize playing cards when using the implant, even though they were legally blind. Ophthalmologist Frank Holz, the trial's scientific coordinator, called the results a "milestone" in treating severe vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration.
Walmart will begin delivering prescriptions across the U.S. early next year, as the retailing giant strives to keep pace with rival Amazon in competing for health care dollars. Walmart's new service includes new prescriptions and refills, which customers can receive along with groceries and other products, the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company announced on Tuesday. Prescriptions will be delivered in as little as 30 minutes and should be available for over 86% of American households, according to Walmart.
While pharmacy chains across the U.S. are struggling in bankruptcy and closing hundreds of brick-and-mortar locations, Amazon is poised to capture a greater share of the drug market with plans for 20 new pharmacies next year. The Seattle-based retail giant announced on Monday that the new pharmacies will enable customers to get rapid delivery of their medications through the online pharmacies, which will be located at Amazon's Same-Day Delivery sites.
Amazon One Medical, which offers virtual and in-person primary care in select U.S. cities, will open its first office Northeast Ohio office in affiliation with the Cleveland Clinic next year. The collaboration will offer patients access to coordinated care through Amazon One Medical and the Clinic's network of specialists, hospitals and facilities, the Clinic said. The location for the office has not yet been chosen.