A Broomall couple, owners of Vestibular First, has found an innovative, inexpensive way to treat inner-ear balance problems, writes J.F. Pirro for Main Line Today.

“It looks like voodoo—vertigo voodoo,” said Patrick Esmonde.

Esmonde designed inexpensive infrared video goggles that help healthcare professionals like his wife, Helena, look at patients’ eyes to diagnose balance disorders.

They’ve gone on to create Vestibular First.  Helena is Vestibular First’s chief clinical officer and cofounder, with Patrick as co-founder and CEO.

Helena, a physical therapist, had become frustrated with existing infrared goggles that cost between $10,000 and $27,000. She sought out Patrick’s help.

With his IT background, he was able to build a much cheaper version at $1,500, which they patented in April 2020. They were cleared by the FDA seven months later.

That basic model sold out.  The current Insight Pro sells for $2,500. A third version is in development.

The goggles can discover abnormalities in eye movement and determine if crystals have moved into the inner ear canal where they don’t belong.

Out-of-place or clumped crystals in the inner ear can make us dizzy.

 “Without goggles, it’s a guessing game. I could do an OK job, but not the job I want to do,” Helena said.

Read more about Vestibular First in Main Line Today.