12-Year-Old Inventor Reinvents Eye Care: How Hal Jan’s VR Glaucoma Test Could Change Medicine

On this week’s episode of The Bold Inventor Show, hosts J.D. Houvener (Patent Attorney & Founder of Bold Patents Law Firm) and Matt Kulseth (Trademark Attorney & Brand Counselor) open with their signature quick-fire legal Q&A before spotlighting one of the youngest innovators ever featured on the show — 12-year-old Hal Jan, winner of the National Invention Convention for his VR-based glaucoma screening device.

The show begins with lively discussion between J.D. and Matt about government shutdowns, USPTO operations, and why patent and trademark filing fees keep rising. They then tackle real-world inventor questions from Reddit — from how to protect a board game idea with copyrights, trademarks, and patents, to whether you can reapply for an abandoned trademark. Their practical, easy-to-follow insights break down the essentials of IP protection for creators and entrepreneurs alike.

Then comes the episode’s highlight: Hal Jan, a 7th grader who’s turning heads in the medical tech space. Hal designed a low-cost, at-home glaucoma screening tool using a simple Google Cardboard VR headset and a custom-coded HTML and JavaScript program. His device replicates the functionality of an expensive ophthalmic visual field machine — allowing users to detect early signs of glaucoma by testing their peripheral vision using virtual grids.

Hal shares how a family member’s glaucoma diagnosis inspired his invention, how he built the software from scratch, and what it was like to present at a national innovation competition — and win. J.D. and Matt explore the patent possibilities, offering real advice on provisional filings, public disclosure, and when to bring in an attorney.

This episode is equal parts legal insight and pure inspiration — proving innovation can come from anywhere, even a middle school science project.

📌 Key Takeaways

• ⚖️ Patent filings and government shutdowns — how the USPTO really stays open
• 🎮 How to protect game ideas — when trademarks, copyrights, and patents apply
• 🪪 Abandoned trademarks — why “dead” doesn’t always mean available
• 🧠 Hal Jan’s VR glaucoma test — innovation born from compassion and curiosity
• 🧰 Provisional patents — the right first step before publishing or presenting
• 💡 Research first — knowing your problem deeply before designing a solution
• 👏 Youth inventors matter — age doesn’t limit innovation

🎬 Teasers

• What does a 12-year-old know about patents that most adults don’t?
• Can you patent a board game? Matt explains what really qualifies.
• Why “abandoned” trademarks aren’t always fair game for new businesses.
• How a middle school coder’s VR headset could change eye care forever.
• What every inventor should know before showing their prototype publicly.