High-tech gadgets on display,

Fenton said the device is clinically validated by many North American eye institutes and health researchers, including the University Health Network, in a study that will be released in a few months.

“When it comes to price, they’ll often laugh and say, ‘I’ll give anything for this,’ ” Fenton said.

Roughly 70 per cent of the legally blind are unemployed, he said, which can make the roughly $12,500 price tag daunting — but eSight has the potential to transform the wearer’s career prospects.

“There are a ton of individuals that can’t afford this technology, and it’s understandable given their socioeconomic condition,” he said, adding the company helps clients fundraise where possible.

This week’s showcase will help bring these companies to the attention of investors, and may feature product deals for members of the public.

For example, Muse’s brain-sensing meditation headband retails for $299 but will be available for $100 cheaper at the showcase.

The lightweight headband reads the brain’s electrical activity and works together with an app, which plays sounds of nature coinciding with brain’s activity, to guide meditation.

“When you look at the Invictus Games, meditation is becoming very much a part of sports: the ability to be in focused attention, teaching athletes their flow, sleep and recovery,” said Jacqueline Cooper, executive vice-president of sales and marketing at Muse.

The company will debut the technology in an eyewear design at Monday’s fashion show.

Product designs which allow for discreet wearing are becoming more popular, Milner noted, adding that companies are attempting to create more cosmetic appeal to address “social acceptance.”

Other items on the catwalk include Steadiwear — a responsive glove that reduces tremors in essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease — and Buzzclip, a small device that uses ultrasound to detect obstacles for the visually impaired.

This week’s showcase will be held at the Sheraton Centre Civic Ballroom on Monday at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ESIGHTEYEWEAR eSight glasses have a camera on the outside and two small high-definition screens on the inside that allow users to optimize real-time footage.