The XR Association (XRA) submitted written testimony for a public hearing of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) Patient Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC).

The hearing will focus on “Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Medical Devices” and offer a forum for participants to address the benefits and challenges that should be considered when utilizing immersive technology for medical treatment.

XRA’s submission discussed the unique advantages of medical extended reality (MXR) with respect to patient therapy, and includes medical applications from XRA member companies Elm Park Labs, Immersive Worlds, Mieron, and MyndVR.

“XR technologies are still maturing but have already demonstrated significant benefits to healthcare and improving patient outcomes,” the testimony read. “AR and VR devices and software have facilitated new breakthroughs in behavioral therapies, pain management, and physical therapies. We believe XR technologies are the future of health care for both providers and patients and we look forward to working with the FDA to realize XR’s potential to improve people’s lives.”

Click here to read the full submission from the XR Association.