Understanding the implications of low vision and how it affects everyday life

Low vision is the expression utilized to describe a significant visual handicap that cannot be totally overcome through the use of glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or procedures. This results in complications such as recognizing faces, navigating various settings, reading, and performing day-to-day duties. Even such mundane operations as determining time get complicated hence the use of assistive instruments such as low vision wall clocks and low vision watches.

The Importance of Low Vision Aids

The ever-growing presence of disabilities in the visual realm globally necessitates an awareness of the visual aids available for the use of those afflicted. The tools at our disposal play an ever increasing  role in generating and sustaining the quality of life so many of us take for granted, yet this fact is often incomprehensible to those not directly affected by them. Such tools translate the difference between a life spent independent and a life subsequently helpless to the elements of the disease.

Introducing low vision watches

These unique timepieces are specially designed to meet the needs of individuals with visual impairments. Their high-contrast displays, tactile markings, and oversized numerals make time-telling much simpler.

Features to look for in low vision watches

When selecting a low vision watch, there are some vital features to look for. These include large, bold numbers or digital displays with high contrast to make reading the time much easier, tactile markings on the watch face or bezel to help with tactile orientation, the ability to audibly announce the time, and straps that can be adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit.

Contrasting several low vision watches in the market

 There are many different kinds of low vision watches, including both analog and digital. They have different appearances and functionalities. Some low vision watches have added more functions, such as alarms, illumination, the time in different parts of the world. When people choose a low vision watch, they should consider the individual’s needs and preferences.

How to choose a low vision watch when one has macular degeneration

To a person with macular degeneration, a low vision watch looks like a savior, because a low vision watch supplies a large and high contrast screen, and people touching it can easily tell time and remain more independent. They even can walk freely and live their daily lives like others.

Feedback from users of low vision watches

People who use low vision watches are usually very thankful for the increased sense of confidence and independence that these devices give them. They talk about how much more control they have over their daily routine, and are able to participate and be involved, despite their inability to see clearly.

Tips on what to look for in a low vision watch for yourself

If you are searching for your own low vision watch, you should think about things like your own sight loss, whether you prefer the style to be analog or digital, what other features you would like (like hearing a voice saying the time, or reminders), and making sure it feels good on your wrist. Also, look at what other people have said about the watch and if they recommend it.

Men’s Large numbered talking Low Vision watches

Atomic Talking Watch

• Big Numbers
• Quartz face,
• Stainless Steel Expanding or Leather Strap
• Great Gift for Elderly or Blind People

This watch is simple and has a classic design and look. Easy to use and has many options.

Why we like it:

MANY Alternatives: There are a variety of band options, including a larger size for talking watches as well as stretch stainless steel and nylon bands. 

This is a great gift for elderly people or those with low vision because the numbers are large and easy to read, and the hands are lighted.  It has a guy’s voice that is powerful and clear. 

WATCH BAND: A leather band that is adjustable and fits wrist sizes between 6.5 and 8.9 inches. 

The watch case is made of ABS with a stainless steel ring on top, 4 metal buttons, a Japanese movement, and a choice of a soft leather band or a stainless steel stretch band. 

4 SIMPLE BUTTONS FOR USE: ”  The time is 10:00 PM” (TIME – 2 o’clock button), “Today is Friday, November 19, 2021” (DATE – 4 o’clock button), and “the alarm is set to go off at 10:15” (ALARM – 10 o’clock button). The (TIME – 8 o’clock button)-setting button says, “The Alarm Time is 7:00 AM.”

Pros

• Simple and easy to use.
• Classic design
• Many band options
• Inexpensive

Cons

• It has limited functions compared to other watches on the market.

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The Ultima Low Vision Watch

• With White Dial
• Leather Band from Maxiaids

This watch with a white dial and a leather band from Ultima for people with visual impairment. The Ultima Low Vision watch sports a white dial and huge black digits. The 1-5/8-inch watch face makes it very simple to view and read for people with impaired eyesight. This quartz-powered, water-resistant watch for the blind features a stainless steel back, a Gold-Tone finish, and a Gold-Tone dial. Any man or woman can wear the basic, attractive style and comfy leather band. 

This watch is very basic and probably the best for the elderly that aren’t very technically savvy. 

Pros

• Large easy-to-read face with High contrast black on white numbers.
• Very inexpensive.
• Simple and easy to use.

Cons

• Doesn’t have the talking feature
• No alarms

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ATOMIC Talking Watch

• English talking watch for the visually impaired
• 43mm polished metal

This Jumbo Size Atomic FIVE SENSES Talking Watch has incredible atomic accuracy. It automatically sets itself, taking into account the (DST) daylight savings time adjustment. At the push of a button, your fashionable talking watch clearly states the time, day, date, month, and year as well as the signal reception status. Anyone with a vision impairment will benefit greatly from the FIVE SENSES atomic, talking watch. The talking watch’s time and calendar are automatically updated by the Atomic clock signal that is transmitted over the air by an antenna installed in the nation. Never again set your watch.

This watch with its talking alarms is great for people with low vision/visually impaired, Elderly men and women, and people with dementia. 

Pros

• Stylish yet classic design
• Large face with high contrast white on black numbers
• Talking time and alarms
• Automatically sets itself to the atomic clock

Cons

• Limited features outside of time telling and alarms

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Talking Atomic Watch by Reizen

• White Faced
• Black Numbers
• Expansion Stretch Band
• Low Vision Talking Watch

Imagine never having to adjust your watch again with the Reizen Talking Atomic Watch, the ideal watch for both men and women.  You may take advantage of the ease of hearing the time declared at the touch of a button with the Reizen Talking Atomic Watch. 

• The time, date, day of the week, and alarm status are all clearly announced by this talking atomic watch in a male voice. 
• How is it even possible that this talking watch sets itself? You won’t need to bother about manually adjusting the time with the Reizen Talking Atomic Watch since it also accounts for daylight savings time. 
• The Reizen Talking Atomic Watch also features a large face with legible black hands and numerals. 
• Information about the Radio Signal (Atomic Function): A radio station in Fort Collins, Colorado broadcasts the radio signal that regulates the time, day of the week, and date. Observe Face Circumference: around 1.25 ” (inches) 
• Size of stretch band: 6.5 ” (inches) Fits Wrists of a Medium-Large Size (Not recommended for people with small Wrists because the band links are not removable) 
• This particular model has a white face with large black numerals, a gray bezel, and an extension band made of gray brushed metal. 
• Type of Battery: CR2032 

Note that only the following countries provide the Atomic Radio-Controlled NIST Time-Setting Function: 

1. USA (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) 
2. United Kingdom 
3. Germany
4. Japan

Where there is no readily available atomic signal, the time can still be simply adjusted manually.

Pros

• Easy to use and to read
• Sets itself
• Classic timeless design
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Limited features
• Single alarm

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SoundPEATS Smart Watch Fitness Tracker

Fitness Tracker Functions

With real-time information on the watch, the SoundPEATS fitness watch precisely tracks your heart rate, steps taken, calories burnt, and distance traveled throughout the day. This encourages you to meet your workout goals. Additional 12 sports modes are supported, and it links to the GPS on your smartphone to build the route map in the SOUNDPEATS SPORTS app. These features let you keep track of your other workout habits. 

Smart Watch for Android and iPhone devices 

With smartphones running iOS 8.0 or later and Android 4.4, this wristwatch is compatible. On your wrist, you may receive notifications for incoming calls, texts, and social media accounts like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, and more. Additionally, you may read them directly on your watch while keeping up with the outside world. 

Sleep Tracking

This fitness watch automatically logs your sleep activities, including the amount of time you spend in deep sleep, light sleep, and awake. The SOUNDPEATS SPORTS app offers a thorough examination of your sleep patterns as well as some useful health advice. Additionally, it has quiet vibrating alarms that can awaken you. In addition to its many useful features, this multipurpose watch also has a weather forecast, music controller, breath-control feature, stopwatch, countdown, alarm clock, find your phone feature, and sedentary reminder. 

Battery life and Waterproof

With a 10+ Day Battery, you don’t have to worry about charging it every night.

It’s not necessary to routinely remove the sports watch because it is waterproof (IP68) and has very long battery life. Feel free to work it out while working out, take a shower, wash your hands, play in the rain, or go swimming with it. This digital watch’s internal 260mAh battery may last up to 10 days on a single, complete charge of two hours. 

Large Screen with huge numbers

With a 1.4-inch color touch screen and 5 different watch faces to pick from, this smartwatch has a touch screen and is comfortable to wear. This makes it simple to use and view the data. This lightweight watch’s changeable strap fits wrists with a circumference ranging from 6.1 to 9.3 inches, making it suited for men, women, and teenagers. Ideal as gifts for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and birthdays.

Pros

• Tracks your fitness
• Waterproof
• Works with smartphones
• Inexpensive compared to the apple watch etc.
• Huge display for visually impaired
• Tracks sleep

Cons

• More complicated for elderly
• Doesn’t talk
• Has to be charged occasionally

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Digital Watch For Men and Women

• This is a simple low-vision digital watch with a large face which makes it great for those with low vision.
• Great for Men and Women
• High-quality Japanese batteries power the clock mechanism, which is electronic. 

Different Functions

Excellent Water Resistance and Can be Worn in the Shower and Swimming. Auto Date, Water Resistant, LED display, Shock Resistant, Backlight, suitable for both outdoor and indoor sports, such as jogging, climbing, fishing, etc. Please AVOID pressing the button when in the water.

Pros

• Simple to use for those that prefer a digital watch to an analog.
• Large easy to read face
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Basic digital functions
• Good reviews but has disclaimers for the waterproof aspect
• Doesn’t talk
• Doesn’t set itself

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TimeChant Atomic! Talking Watch by Five Senses

The talking watch’s time and calendar are automatically set by the Atomic clock signal. Resets for Daylight saving time. Metal watch case and stylish on either a guy’s or a woman’s wrist 

This talking wristwatch for low vision has a clear and loud male voice; large, easy-to-read LCD numerals; announces time, date, day, month, and year; and the status of the alarm and the reception of the signal. substitute for an atomic alarm clock.

Pros

• Sets itself
• Talks telling the time date alarms etc.
• Large easy see numbers

Cons

• The digital display doesn’t have high-contrast colors.
• Basic functions compared to smartwatches.

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Fashion Watch Geneva by Artist Unknown

• Super Large Face with Stretch Band
• Clear Numbers
• Easy Read (Royal Blue)

numbers on a white face for maximum contrast. It comes in a variety of colors and is super simple to use. No frills.

Pros

• Super simple to use
• Huge face and numbers
• High Contrast
• Cheap
• Lots of colors available 

Cons

• Doesn’t talk
• No alarms
• Not waterproof

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FAQ’s

How do blind people use watches?

Depending on the severity of the visual impairment will determine how they use a watch. If they have a decent amount of vision a large faced watch with large numbers and high contrast may do the trick. If the vision loss is severe or total then low vision talking watches would be the best.

Do they make watches for the blind?

Yes, Talking watches

What are talking watches?

Watches that will speak to you at specific times or when prompted but touching a button.

Are Apple watches good for people with low vision or the blind?

The watch includes several great choices for those with limited vision and is extremely accessible for VoiceOver users, just like other Apple devices. To use the Watch, you must be comfortable with VoiceOver commands.