The SupportSight Foundation

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888.681.8773 supportsight.org

Vol. 2 March 2020

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We created this guide to be a resource for patients, families and caregivers. The information was contributed by highly respected, experienced professionals in the lowvision field. The devices mentioned are accessible and generally available throughlarger manufacturers, dealers, and eye care professionals.Life is driven by accomplishing tasks, whether they be leisurely, like reading the gardening magazine you love, or purposeful, like balancing your checkbook. No matterwhere you are on the vision impairment spectrum, newly-diagnosed with macular degeneration or living with the advanced stages, this guide will help start you on a journey to more independence and freedom.

1. Make what you want to see largerThere are 3 types of magnification:

a. Relative Distance Magnification –object brought closer to the eye.Example: sit closer to the TV

b. Relative Size Magnification – objectmade larger. Example: large printbooks, large print checks, larger TV

c. Angular Magnification – object notchanged in position or size, but anoptical system is placed between theobject and the eye making the objectappear larger. Example: hand magnifier,telescope, electronic magnification

PORTABLE MAGNIFIERS - Useful forreading outside of the home – shopping,dining out, thermostat and microwavecontrols – not the best product forreading a book or newspaper.Price Range: $50-$250, for non-digital,$300-$1,400, for digitalThis category begins with small handheldsand increases to more extensive digitalmagnifiers with large screens. This is agood place to start for someone needing asmall amount of magnification. The digitalmagnifiers are a relatively new category,and offer many options. They are a goodnext step after the smaller fixed magnifiersand can provide a wide range of options;adjustable magnification, different foregroundand background color combinations, linemarkers, and the ability to download to alarger monitor or a computer.

Guide to Living with Vision ImpairmentThe SupportSight Foundation

“It is always good to understand the problem, but we believe it is more important to find the solution.”

Dawn Prall, Executive Director

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The SupportSight Foundation

2. Increase task illuminationa. Use gooseneck lamps, flashlights andilluminated magnifiers

b. Use task lamps and daylight bulbsc. Bring lighting within one foot of the printyou are reading

3. Decrease glarea. Decrease glare from lighting, windowsand the sun

b. Use amber or yellow tints to cut glareand enhance contrast

4. Enhance contrast between whatyou want to see and its surroundingsMost people with visual impairment seebetter if objects are black and white. Example: you can see black coffee in awhite coffee mug.a. Do not use heavily decorated platesb. Do not use clear glasses or dishes –it’s hard to see them!

CCTVS OR VIDEO MAGNIFIERS - Ideal for Basic Daily Living – readingthe mail, bills, newspapers, magazines,books and writing checksPrice Range: $2,000-$4,000These devices have been around since 1970and remain the easiest and most popular devices for basic reading. All of these devicesutilize a large video monitor with a moveablereading surface. They have automatic focusand are offered in color and in black andwhite. Because of the larger screen size and widely adjustable magnification, they are ideal for basic daily living.

FLEX-ARM VIDEO MAGNIFIERS - Usefulfor knitting, crocheting, hobbies & craftsPrice Range: $1,800-$2,800The flex-arm systems are similar to CCTVsbut are more compact. The camera is locatedabove the monitor on a flexible arm thatcan be moved into different positions. Bestif used for reading, viewing somethingacross the room, or self-viewing tasks. Theydo not have internal lighting or an X-Y Table.

5. Make sure you are using theright product with the correctmagnifying power for the task –not all magnifiers are the samea. Using the wrong magnifying powerwill not help you

b. Have your eye doctor prescribe thecorrect magnifier, eyeglasses or telescopefor reading or for a specific task

6. Learn to use your magnificationproducts correctlyThis takes practice and patience!

7. Low vision glasses or productsare often task specificIt’s important to realize you may need more than one low vision aid to accomplish all tasks.

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The SupportSight Foundation

WEARABLE GLASSES - Good for reading documents and, in somecases, product recognitionPrice Range: $2,500-$10,000Wearable Glasses is a new category ofdevices that is at the forefront of development.They look like regular glasses, but havevideo screens on the inside that will focuson a document or newspaper in yourhand. In some cases, they can scan thatdocument and read it back to you. Currently, there are three manufacturersof these products. Two companies makeglasses with video screens and thesemodels are priced higher. One companymakes a device that is audio only and has facial recognition as well as productrecognition.

8. Learn to use your eyes moreefficientlyLearn to use the peripheral part of the retina. You can learn to move your bodyinto positions where it is easier to use your peripheral vision.

9. Substitute “ears for eyes”a. Enjoy audio books and magazinesb. Use talking watches, clocks,calculators, scales, glucometers andcomputer software

AUDIO DEVICES - Ideal for readingprinted material and books aloudPrice Range: $1,700-$4,000For people with severe AMD or other eyeconditions, sometimes magnification willnot be effective. In these cases, an audiodevice that can scan and read your printeddocuments may be your best option.Since their invention, these products havebecome smaller, faster, and less costly.They will not read handwriting, but theywill read most printed material and alsoread in different languages and voices.They can be used for a flat, whole printedpage as well as a book turned sideways.Several manufacturers have combined theCCTV with the audio component to allowfor magnification, scanning and reading.The flex-arm version of this, combinesmagnification, scanning & reading, distanceand self-viewing all in the same product.

COMPUTER-RELATED DEVICES – Ideal for using with your computer -your email and FacebookPrice Range: $1,800-$3,000These small cameras attach to a computerto view documents, both near and far, aswell as capture these documents and readthem back to you in an audio voice. Someproducts can read at a distance with audiocapability. There are also computer magnification programs such as ZoomText,Magic and JAWS that will help make yourPC easier to read. The camera devicesare perfect for small spaces.

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The SupportSight Foundation

10. Be your own Advocatea. Tell friends and family you are visuallyimpaired and ask that they introducethemselves when approaching you. “HiAlice, it’s Millie. Are you ready for dinner?”

b. Ask for large print menus at restaurantsc. Use large print checks from your bankd. Become familiar with communityresources such as low vision supportgroups, transportation services, agingservices and recreational programs

Do not become dependent on others!Purchase low vision aids and learn to dothings differently in order to become moreindependent. YOU CAN DO IT!

I want to take the next step towards independence, but how do I procurethese products?First and foremost, get a Low Vision Evaluation from a qualified Low Vision Optometrist or Low Vision Ophthalmologist.This specific examination includes ademonstration of numerous devices to determine which device would be best for both your eye condition and task.If and when you decide to buy a device,only deal with proven manufacturers andmake sure to ask about their Return Policy; trade-in program for older devices;and their service and support or training. It also makes sense to ask about any used equipment available, but keep inmind in this case a warranty is very important.These policies are very important whenbuying higher priced devices.

Product Purchases:1. Have specific tasks in mind2. Get a proper evaluation from a lowvision specialist

3. NEVER buy anything on the Internet4. Find a local professional whospecializes in low vision devices

5. Make sure to take your time withthe procurement of any device

We are happy to help you! Call 888.681.8773

Visit supportsight.org

Thank you to our Contributors

Charlie Collins, CPSCDirector of Professional Sales, VFO Founder and CEO of CCIAuthor & International Motivational Speaker Cheshire, CT

Lynne P. Noon, OD, FAAODiplomate in Low Vision Rehabilitation ViewFinderSun City, AZ

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