Many students require some form of magnification in order to interact with pictorial information effectively, and various optical and electronic magnifiers, telescopes and absorptive filters can meet this need.

Handheld magnifiers (electric and traditional) are excellent solutions for on-the-go reading of labels, mail, bus schedules and shorter period magazine viewing. Desktop magnifiers offer more permanent solutions.

Magnifiers

Magnifiers help individuals with low vision achieve visual independence by magnifying images, text and other objects of interest. Magnifiers come in both handheld and desktop versions; their type, magnification level, functionality and power vary accordingly. Handheld magnifiers may be preferable for on-the-go tasks like reading menus and dialing phone numbers while out and about; mail delivery; shorter period magazine viewing sessions and other household mobile visual needs can benefit immensely from handheld magnifiers.

Portable electronic magnifiers feature a small screen attached to a head apparatus which directs its camera (responsible for gathering visual data) towards a specific area of interest, enabling a user to see magnified images on his or her personal monitor in real-time for enhanced visual information. These low vision aids are great tools for work or school settings where presentations need to be given across classrooms or presentation boards and computer connectivity is necessary; at home these magnifying aids offer magnification options for reading, writing, hobbies, art projects as well as self-viewing for grooming needs (like applying make-up or shaving).

Desktop magnifiers, more commonly referred to as CCTVs (closed circuit television magnifiers), provide stationary magnification power in one location. Depending on model and manufacturer, these desktop low vision products often include advance viewing modes suitable for different visual tasks including reading, writing, arts & crafts hobbies and computer use.

An effective way to select and use magnifiers that best meets your individual needs and gain knowledge on these devices is through having an evaluation conducted by a qualified eye care provider. Ophthalmologists and Optometrists possess extensive training, experience, knowledge, and can offer advice regarding which magnifier is right for your specific requirements.

As soon as it comes to using magnifiers of any kind, it is crucial that we realize it’s better to use one than not use it at all. Without daily usage of handheld or desktop magnifiers we may lose the ability to read effectively; so it is recommended to be mindful of our eye health by using one every day and being consistent in using them.

Telescopes

Low vision devices work by making things appear larger, brighter or darker and improving contrast. They may be optical or nonoptical and can generally be divided into two categories: near devices which magnify objects close by; and distance devices which enable people to see distant images or objects more clearly. Children with visual impairments will typically benefit from both types of low vision aids.

Optic low vision devices use lenses and prisms to magnify, reduce, alter the shape or move an image on the retina. They may be handheld, resting on a stand, or mounted in eyeglasses for convenient use. Common handheld magnification devices include loop magnifiers with handhold loops such as traditional dome magnifying glasses. Electronic handheld magnifiers have different settings for magnification strength and contrast color options that may make using one easier than using handheld flat magnifiers that may shake loose and fall off; additionally they may better suit those individuals suffering from tremor or poor eye-hand coordination than handheld flat magnifiers which could otherwise.

Telescopic devices act like miniature telescopes to increase a person’s ability to see distant objects and people more clearly. Available as hand-held monoculars and frame mounted Galilean focusable telescopes, both types provide between 2-8x magnification with difficulty being used when walking around; as with most low vision aids their use requires encouragement and training for maximum effectiveness.

Desktop low vision devices range from the basic magnifying lens, to more advanced CCTV video magnifiers with connectivity options to computers or laptops for users with low vision to view information on personal screens. In general, desktop low vision devices typically include additional lighting features, viewing modes, magnification features and computer connectivity features for optimal use.

Nonoptical low vision devices include items like large print books, reading stands, marking devices and talking clocks and timers – these help individuals manage daily activities independently by controlling lighting or providing guidance and improving contrast. Nonoptical devices also include tinted lenses or absorptive filters used to reduce glare.

Absorptive Filters

Products designed to maximize remaining vision and increase independence for individuals living with blindness or low vision, including video magnifiers for desktop, portable and PC computers as well as text-to-speech devices and assistive reading devices.

Some optical filter glass designs can experience blue shifting when incident angle of light passing through an increasing lens, so absorptive filter glasses which block shorter wavelengths can help mitigate this problem.

Eschenbach offers an expansive selection of high performance filters designed for both visible and near-infrared applications, featuring low loss, wide passband filters with flatness and impedance matching both in-band and out-of-band, precision polished for demanding research or OEM use, with various optical densities and frame sizes to meet demanding research or OEM applications – along with optical polarizers to reduce specular glare.

Non-Optical Electronics

Non-optical devices alter environmental perception through illumination or contrast modification, such as illuminated hand-held or stand magnifiers, large print books, lighted canes and walkers, marking devices with bold line paper as well as talking clocks, timers, scales and needle threaders are examples of non-optical devices that change environmental perception. Examples include illuminated hand-held or stand magnifiers; illuminated canes and walkers; marking devices; bold line paper marking devices talking clocks timers scales needle threaders etc.

Some devices can be portable while others stay at home or office, and others can even be integrated into computer reading/writing programs. Standard desktop CCTV, also called closed circuit television magnification systems (CCTV), usually consist of a large 17-24 inch monitor attached to a central base unit that magnifies words or images displayed. New desktop systems cost between $2,000-3,500 and can be found through low vision clinics, dealers or on Ebay; portable CCTVs resembling computer mice may be more cost effective as they can also be used on laptops/PC.

Video magnifiers provide another non-optical solution, using a zoom TV camera to project magnified images onto a standard television screen. Also referred to as closed circuit TV reading machines, these machines provide higher magnification with normal working distance and reversed polarity text for those with very poor vision. They allow the user to scan printed material into a computer for conversion into speech or reading software systems.

Optic and non-optical devices can assist people with low vision to perform daily activities more easily; though in many cases the loss of visual function is permanent. Most individuals with low vision possess some residual visual ability that can be enhanced with appropriate devices and learning their proper usage.

Effective low vision intervention begins early with a comprehensive clinical evaluation of one’s vision, taking into account functional loss levels and realistic goals for intervention. If optical or non-optical devices are prescribed, training must also be provided on how best to use them – teachers of students with visual impairments as well as orientation and mobility instructors may already possess this skill, while occupational therapists are also proficient in this area.