CCTV magnifiers can be invaluable devices for individuals living with macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and other low vision conditions. Used properly they can help people read, write, enjoy crossword puzzles or connect to computers.

Medicare recognizes CCTVs as durable medical equipment (DME). To be considered DME, devices must fulfill three criteria: they must be functional, necessary and reasonable in treating medical conditions.

Standard desktop CCTVs

Recent years have seen desktop CCTVs shrink and become more compact, yet still provide excellent magnification and viewing areas up to 24-inches LCD screens. They may provide magnification levels from 2-13 times, color displays, white-on-black displays, freeze frame capabilities and freeze frame features as well. Some even interact with computers so users can store images or text for later review on PCs.

They may be costly, but are highly durable and long-lasting – users often receive two to three year warranties when purchased through low vision clinics, dealers or on Ebay and other websites.

CCTVs offer an alternative to hand-held magnifiers by projecting entire documents or pages onto a television screen, making them perfect for reading, watching TV and movies, bird watching or any hobby that requires detailed vision. They tend to be less costly than standalone video magnifiers and may even be covered under medical insurance plans.

Many companies now produce small portable CCTVs that resemble computer mice in appearance and are capable of connecting to most laptop computers via USB ports. They are designed to fit comfortably in a person’s pocket and typically offer a 3 to 5-inch rectangular monitor screen containing options such as color contrast, white-on-black contrast and variable magnification levels for reading, writing and other tasks.

Some CCTVs serve as combined “screen readers”, speaking the words of documents or books aloud while magnifying them for those with tremor or paralysis who lack the strength to operate hand-held devices.

Children often adapt more readily than adults to optical low vision aids and have greater success using them, but can be more complex to learn than adults do. Training may be necessary in order to ensure maximum efficiency; home trials of devices should take place immediately following initial evaluation and training sessions.

Hand-held CCTVs

Contemporary handheld CCTVs are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport. They connect directly to TVs, video monitors, computers or projectors for viewing live images in front of users or distance-view capabilities for distant views such as seeing guest speakers at conferences or cinemas.

While a hand-held CCTV may provide effective reading assistance, individuals must understand its limitations before using this type of device for prolonged periods. Excessive use may result in eyestrain or headaches and it should also be noted that such magnifiers cannot serve as the sole reading tool as they only magnify one part of a page at a time.

Many visually impaired individuals do not find CCTVs the ideal solution for their needs, which is why consulting an independent low vision professional to determine whether a CCTV would be beneficial is advised. Furthermore, any evaluators must understand both Braille and speech devices so as to provide an objective evaluation process.

In order to qualify for medical insurance coverage for a CCTV, it must be classified as durable medical equipment (DME). According to Medicare definition, DME refers to any item used primarily and customarily for treating illness or injury or improving functioning in malformed body parts. A physician must prescribe and include CCTV in a patient’s treatment plan in order for Medicare reimbursement of its cost.

Portable CCTVs

A CCTV magnifies text or images onto a screen – typically either an ordinary television monitor or computer display. Like most electronic devices, CCTVs have steadily improved over time in both capability and cost.

Small handheld CCTVs can fit easily in the palm of one’s hand and weigh less than several pounds. Some combined “screen readers” magnify text aloud using OCR technology while simultaneously reading aloud what was magnified on-screen. Most portable CCTVs include features like white-on-black contrast enhancement, freeze frame feature and other elements to allow them to work effectively with various documents and environments.

Laptop-compatible CCTVs allow students or workers in multiple locations to utilize one device to perform tasks that would be challenging using a desktop PC alone, such as viewing books and printed materials, listening to audio tapes, watching a video presentation or connecting to their computer.

CCTV magnifiers can assist people living with vision problems and disabilities such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy. Before purchasing one of these magnifiers it is recommended that an initial low vision examination be undertaken by an optometrist or ophthalmologist trained in visual impairment to assess functional impact and provide advice about devices that will work best to assist the user’s condition – some low vision clinics offer adaptive technology assessments where various devices can be tested out to find what will best suit individual users needs.