OPTIC 2000 and AUSTRALIEGAD Support Salim Ejnaini in Pioneering Role as France's First Visually Impaired

May. 07, 2024

There are more than 2 million visually impaired people in France today.

French optician and eyewear retail chain Optic 2000, committed to improving the autonomy of the visually impaired for over 15 years, is supporting Artha, a start-up that has developed a haptic belt capable of translating the surrounding environment into impulses that enable users to develop an entirely new perception of their environment.

The "Optic 2000 Challenger" initiative was established to enable the first visually impaired e-sports player to compete in a major video game tournament.

E-sports is rapidly growing, attracting new enthusiasts globally each day. Although inclusive solutions have expanded audiences, no visually impaired player among the estimated 223 million participants worldwide has competed at a high level until now.

Salim Ejnaïni, who has been blind since the age of 16, rose to the challenge by competing in Trackmania at the Gamers Assembly, France's premier e-sports event, held this past March.

After two years of intensive development to perfect the haptic belt, Salim was able to compete against ten sighted players in France’s most significant Trackmania tournament. Impressively, only one managed to defeat him.

Artha & Optic 2000: working together to promote inclusion and awareness

This new use of AI not only demonstrates the vast potential of technological advancements to foster inclusivity but also exemplifies how artificial intelligence can transform everyday experiences for the visually impaired. By integrating AI with sensory technology, Optic 2000 and Artha have not only enhanced the autonomy of individuals like Salim Ejnaïni but also opened doors to opportunities once considered unattainable, such as competing in professional e-sports. The Optic 2000 Challenger marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of a more inclusive society where the benefits of technology can be enjoyed universally.