What Are Low Vision Aids and Devices?
Low vision aids and devices fall into two major categories: Optical and non-optical. Optical devices include: • Magnifiers • Telescopic glasses • Monocular and binoculars • Head mounted magnifiers Non-optical devices include: • Talking clocks • Writing guides • Bold pens • Large print items • Bump dots (for marking dials) • Screen magnifiers (CCTV’s) • Scanners (reads printed materials) • Computer software that magnifies the computer screen and/or “speaks” what’s on the screen • Magnifying cameras There is quite an assortment of low vision devices. The trick is to find the one that works best for the visually challenged individual. There are two problems:1. To find a single place that has every possible assistive device, and 2. To be able to test these devices (preferably at home or work) to be sure it meets the unique visual requirements. This requires determination and persistence. If there is a task or activity that a visually challenged person really wants to do, there is probably
