CCTVs use electronic magnification systems to magnify prints and images for people with low vision in daily activities like reading mail, books, newspaper articles or viewing photographs. Common applications include spot checking mail/books/newspaper articles/photographs as well as spot checking, reading (mail, books), writing letters (or articles), viewing photographs as well as viewing slides/films etc.

Medicare reimburses for reasonable and necessary medical equipment purchases under Medicare Part B, such as pacemakers.

What is a CCTV?

CCTVs (Closed Circuit Televisions), also referred to as video magnifiers, offer a range of magnification options for various visual impairments including macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy. Some CCTV systems also feature night vision capabilities as well as computer assisted operation and integration with home automation or alarm systems.

Desktop CCTVs have long been the cornerstone of electronic magnification for low vision patients. These units consist of custom cameras mounted on arms for hands-free positioning, 17-24 inch monitors, lenses capable of zooming up to 82x zoom range and viewing modes like normal color, white-on-black, freeze frame and split screen display modes; plus optional features like screen splitters, multiple camera inputs, sensitivity controls, spot filters etc.

Portable CCTVs are relatively new devices. These units consist of a camera attached to either a stand or directly to a monitor/TV screen and typically weigh under one pound. Camera lenses may feature square, rectangular, or circular shapes and be powered either via battery or AC power. Depending on your model of portable CCTV, additional features such as multiple magnification levels, white-on-black viewing mode contrast/brightness control and even reverse modes may also be offered as standard features.

However, these units lack the same flexibility and ease-of-use offered by desktop CCTVs. Furthermore, some portable CCTVs require users to sit in specific positions in order to magnify small areas at once; more recent portable CCTVs use image analysis techniques in order to optimize visual output – making them even more responsive than traditional systems.

CCTVs have become essential tools in the blindness community despite their limitations, serving as primary magnification devices issued by VA to blinded veterans. CCTVs can be used for many tasks ranging from reading mail, books, magazines and newspapers to writing or working crossword puzzles and connecting to computers – for some people a CCTV is even their best chance to remain independent while upholding dignity by keeping up with favorite activities they love doing.

Desktop CCTVs

CCTVs (or video magnifiers), initially introduced commercially in the 1960s, have steadily advanced since. Comprised of a camera, monitor, and often light source; CCTVs serve as workhorses in low vision electronic magnification applications ranging from desktop models to small, hand-held units.

Desktop monitors typically consist of 17 to 24-inch displays with an adjustable XY table beneath for convenient writing or placing of objects. They typically offer larger field of views than most regular monitors and offer customizable features like color, white-on-black, reverse, freeze frame settings as well as line markers and window masking capabilities where text on the monitor can be highlighted by darkening its surroundings above and below it.

Portable models consist of a camera unit attached to an LCD monitor or television screen; there are also some standalone portable units. Portable systems are usually more compact than desktop systems and weigh 1 to 3 lbs; most offer magnification levels, contrast/brightness control features, reverse modes and reverse playback similar to their desktop counterparts.

Newer combination CCTVs or screen readers include both a computer and installation software to allow the user to interact with their screen. These systems feature image scanning and saving capabilities as well as OCR/TTS text reading abilities.

Portable CCTVs

Portable CCTV magnifiers allow users to perform various tasks using magnification technology. From reading books and magazines, to solving crossword puzzles or connecting their computers – their versatility is unsurpassed. Portable CCTVs can help those living with macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts or retinitis pigmentosa achieve visual clarity.

Portable CCTVs come equipped with features tailored specifically to individual user needs, such as color contrast and split screen technology. Many also have the capability of inverting images for better reading printed pages. Other helpful features of portable CCTVs include distance view capability that is ideal for students observing a guest speaker or instructor in class or lecture hall environments; others, like RUBY handheld video magnifier have remote controls that enable easy use from faraway.

Portable CCTVs may be beneficial in many instances; however, for optimal use it is crucial that each user undergoes a comprehensive clinical low vision evaluation with an eye care professional who meets nationally published standards of care (Farrenkopf 2005). A thorough low vision evaluation should include testing other traditional optical and non-optical devices (pocket/hand-held magnifiers, telescopic, glare control and lighted magnification aids), along with reviewing benefits and limitations of CCTV/EOEDs in meeting their stated goals of an individual.

Laptop-compatible CCTVs can be powerful tools for students with low vision. This article presents an overview of this product category as well as four specifically rated by Access World magazine published by the American Foundation for the Blind.

Combination CCTVs

If a child with severe vision loss wants to remain engaged with family activities, a combination CCTV can be an ideal way to do just that. These small portable devices connect directly to a TV monitor and offer visual magnification and technology that enables tasks like reading mail, playing family games, working on crafts or hobbies, watching movies or sporting events, connecting to computers and connecting with family. They are an especially suitable device for patients suffering from macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa or diabetic retinopathy.

Combination CCTVs can also assist patients in navigating their environment more easily, which is essential to their emotional well-being as a visual impaired child. A combination CCTV can make this easier for some students while others could also benefit from additional nonoptical devices like glare control or contrast enhancement devices.

Before being eligible for a CCTV device, students must first undergo a clinical low vision examination conducted by a certified eye care professional that meets nationally published standards of care. An ophthalmologist or optometrist may conduct this evaluation and will help identify an ideal device to help their child meet his or her goals. Once this evaluation has been completed, an orientation and mobility (O&M) instructor or teacher of students with visual impairments (TVII) instructor can teach how to use it properly and efficiently.