The way we understand and assess mental health is undergoing a subtle but potentially profound shift, driven by advancements in wearable technology. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are developing smart glasses capable of detecting subtle changes in pupil size and eye movement – indicators that may offer valuable insights into a person’s mental state. This innovation, born from a personal journey and rigorous scientific inquiry, promises to add crucial context to traditional mental health evaluations.
These aren’t the bulky, futuristic headsets often associated with virtual reality. The latest prototype, developed by Carolina Instruments, looks remarkably like a standard pair of black-rimmed glasses, with only a few discreet pieces of metallic hardware visible. This accessibility is intentional, reflecting a core goal of the project: to make sophisticated mental health assessment tools more readily available and less intrusive. The technology centers around what’s being called “Pupil-Light” technology, a camera-free system that directly measures changes in pupil dynamics.
The impetus behind Carolina Instruments stems from the personal experience of its co-founder and CEO, Ellora McTaggart. Diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill, McTaggart found that traditional assessment methods often failed to capture her full cognitive profile. “My diagnosis helped me understand my experience,” McTaggart explained. “For years, I felt like I had to work harder than everyone else while being evaluated by a system that did not match how my brain works.” This realization fueled her desire to create tools that offer a more nuanced understanding of individual needs.
A New Approach to Mental Health Assessment
The underlying principle is that shifts in pupil size and eye motion can often precede observable behavioral changes in individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These subtle physiological signals can provide real-time insight into changes associated with stress and engagement, offering a richer behavioral context than traditional observation alone. According to Jose Rodríguez-Romaguera, assistant professor in the UNC School of Medicine’s psychiatry and cell biology and physiology departments, “My dream as a mental health scientist is to have an actual impact in the clinic.” He added, “The minute I realized we had a device that could potentially do that, I knew we needed to explore the commercial side in parallel to our scientific pursuits.”
Unlike conventional eye-tracking systems that rely on cameras and extensive video processing, the Pupil-Light technology converts light signals directly into measurements. This camera-free design significantly reduces data processing demands and power consumption, making it particularly well-suited for wearable applications and extending battery life in devices like virtual and augmented reality headsets. This efficiency is a key advantage as eye-tracking becomes an increasingly essential feature in these emerging technologies.
From Lab to Launch
McTaggart, alongside her former mentors Nicolas Pégard, associate professor in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences’ applied physical sciences department, and Rodríguez-Romaguera, navigated the complexities of translating academic research into a viable commercial product. She turned to KickStart Venture Services at Innovate Carolina, a resource designed to support student and faculty innovators in launching companies based on University research. “Beyond the direct support, tapping us into the academic entrepreneurship ecosystem has been incredibly valuable,” McTaggart said. “We have some unique challenges as a University spinout, and KickStart has helped us navigate them.”
McTaggart also actively engaged with North Carolina’s burgeoning biotech and startup community, networking with industry leaders and securing a $400,000 Minor Business Technology Transfer grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in March 2025. She served as the principal investigator for the grant. The team is now exploring opportunities to integrate their pupil-tracking technology into existing smart eyewear platforms, potentially expanding its reach without the need for developing and distributing a standalone device.
Looking Ahead
Carolina Instruments’ “North Star,” as McTaggart describes it, is to deliver better behavioral insights. The company recognizes the potential for broader access through integration with existing platforms, and is prioritizing this approach. As major companies continue to acquire developers of alternative optical tracking technologies, McTaggart envisions a similar trajectory for Carolina Instruments. The team is currently focused on refining the technology for use in rodent research, with the ultimate goal of expanding its application to human studies.
The development of these smart glasses represents a significant step toward a more personalized and data-driven approach to mental health care. While further research and clinical validation are necessary, the potential to unlock deeper understanding of the human mind through subtle physiological signals is undeniably promising.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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