Desktop magnifiers are assistive devices designed to sit on a user’s desk and provide magnification. These magnifying devices range from arm mounted magnifying lenses to camera imaging displayed on monitors.

These assistive devices offer real time visual magnification to assist individuals living with macular degeneration, glaucoma or other forms of vision loss in managing daily activities. Some feature computer connectivity for customized viewing option selection, screen positioning and magnification strength adjustment.

Arm Mounted Magnifying Lens

An arm mounted magnifying lens sits atop a table or work bench and provides one level of magnification, making this device simple, affordable and an effective basic magnification aid. Ideal for reading books and crossword puzzles, sewing projects or Tamiya model building; equipped with two adjustable arms so the lens can be moved into its ideal position for any task at hand and 6 white LED lights which provide additional illumination powered by either its built-in battery or external source such as AC halogen lamps (A/C).

Designated as more stable than handheld magnifying glasses and much less bulky than stand magnifiers, this stand magnifier offers excellent field of view with its large acrylic lens that features lateral protections and ergonomically shaped base that leaves both hands free for work being performed while its adjustable flex arm leaves both hands available for work a task might demand. Furthermore, six LED lights have been strategically positioned around its frame for maximum illumination.

This type of magnifier is popular with hobbyists and for some office tasks. Featuring a semi-cylendrical lens that rests directly on the page, making it easier to track lines of print. Although more expensive than hand-held magnifiers (1.5X-8X magnification range) it still offers superior viewing experience.

estheticians to analyze skin conditions. Equipped with a mild light that’s safe for eyes, and capable of analyzing various substances on the skin. Available in various sizes and lenses. Some models even connect directly with computers for advanced functionality and display images on computer screens simultaneously while also offering high contrast viewing modes that switch from color to black-and-white viewing modes.

Electronic Magnifier

Electronic magnifiers take magnification technology a step further by providing users with powerful zoom capabilities and advanced features for reading anywhere with powerful zoom. Most commonly used with computers, these magnifiers come in many different forms such as portable viewing panels or handheld devices and use camera technology to view text or images for easy reading on screens, similar to how video magnifier systems function.

They can be tailored specifically for grooming and makeup application or distance viewing – for presentations, guest speakers or instructors in classrooms or venues at the front. Some even feature text to speech functionality allowing users to hear documents read aloud while the tablet reads them back!

These devices also provide computer connectivity which can be especially helpful for students or professionals on the go, providing access to school or workplace materials while outside of their office environment. Furthermore, many also feature image capture, customizable color mode selection, contrasting hue selection and other useful functions.

The humanWare Connect 12 is an elegant desktop electronic magnifier offering HD magnification from 1-24x, intelligent LED lighting, scientific calculator, adjustable high contrast colors and saved documents gallery as well as three efficient reading modes for maximum ease. Perfect for individuals with low vision who require powerful magnifiers on the go that are easy to use while out and about; ideal as a portable tablet magnifier, distance viewer and reading distance viewer! Users can quickly enlarge printed documents while reading books/newspapers/listening to audio files etc; OCR/text to speech support can even sign/fill forms/take photos while out and about using this device!

Video Magnifier

Video magnifiers use cameras to enlarge text and images, making them easier to see for those with low vision. They are widely used in educational settings, workplaces, homes and homes to assist individuals with visual impairments maintain independence and engage in activities. Many advanced video magnifiers offer high definition cameras, touchscreens and optical character recognition (OCR) functionality allowing users to capture digital content as well as magnify it on screen.

The ONYX OCR desktop video magnifier is a four-in-one system featuring a 24-inch screen that combines magnification and speech to enable more productive use of the device. Users can read, write, check ingredients on food labels and craft items, view themselves and magnify documents up to 131 times! With OCR functionality enabled on this model, printed material is read aloud using either male or female premium voices with various accents and languages – perfect for reading out loud documents out loud in comfort!

Portable viewing panels rest atop text and images to provide real-time magnification, with adjustable tilt for ergonomic comfort. When combined with print enlargement software, these portable viewing panels provide greater clarity and functionality than ever. Monitor sizes range from 17-24 inches.

Space-saving GoVision PRO features a full HD camera with full page text-to-speech and multiple views such as self-view, distance and mirror image. Users can take this portable and connected device anywhere to magnify documents, books or emails while continuing daily tasks in school, office and home environments. Ideal for homework completion assignments in restaurants while reading menus; checking ingredients on food packaging before buying or applying makeup before leaving for an outing; reading emails during commuter trains.

Flexible Arm Camera Mount

This 5-foot articulating flexible suspension arm allows rapid angle positioning with easy flex and 360deg base swivel movement for rapid angle positioning, perfect for overhead table reads, speed drawing capture, tutorials/DIY’s, review videos, stacker videos etc. Additionally, its 360deg swivel base makes this arm an invaluable out of the way third hand when filming in tight locations that regular tripods cannot easily fit or reach when filming; its swivel base holds iPads as well photography attachments while its secure clamp adapter allows secure attachment to counters chairs walls or other fixtures with rubber grommets to help absorb vibration when recording videos or photographs respectively; used with CVM-12 C-clamp or CVM-15 wall mount plate to achieve rapid desired angles fast.

Computer Connectivity

Magnification can be an invaluable aid for people living with macular degeneration. Most will respond positively to magnification, with individual outcomes depending on vision loss levels and activities and needs. Magnifiers may use optical lenses or video cameras that project an enlarged image onto a monitor screen – there may even be special programs dedicated specifically to macular degeneration!

Some desktop electronic magnifiers feature flexible arm camera mounts for greater mobility and functionality, enabling individuals to aim the camera directly at an object of interest and view it on a computer screen, making these magnifiers ideal for work or school settings. Some models also include tracking bars which help align magnified areas to cursor movements; these tracking bars can be especially beneficial at higher magnification levels.

Smart phones and e-readers such as the I-pad provide magnification and reading abilities, such as smart magnifiers. Some of these devices provide magnification with text to speech functions while others specialize in features like reducing glare or increasing contrast.

Before making your choice, it is essential to test all of the features available in a desktop electronic magnifier before making your selection. Features you should consider include: