Low vision aids and adaptive technology

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Fri, 05/09/2008 - 12:59pm

Video magnifiers help to enlarge text and graphics for easy viewing.

Low vision can make undertaking previously simple tasks challenging and frustrating, it can also make a person feel cut off from the world.

What are low vision aids?

Low vision aids and adaptive technology can make life easier and help people do the things they enjoy. Trying to read small print, using the computer and checking the time can be difficult for someone with low vision.

These innovative and practical aids range from computer software to handheld and desktop magnifiers. These devices can be invaluable in maintaining a person’s independence and quality of life.

Before purchasing any adaptive technology, a person will need to get a visual assessment from a health professional. This ensures a person is prescribed the right device.

Video magnifiers

Video magnifiers are machines that magnify print, text or graphics onto a screen for easy viewing. Video magnifiers can come as a desktop unit or as a portable handheld device. Video magnifiers allow a person to read their mail, write or view photos. The viewer can magnify an object such as a letter at a selected range and see the image on a screen at a highly magnified level. They are also useful for writing documents as they allow the reader to zoom in on reading material.

Handheld electronic magnifiers

Handheld electronic magnifying devices can be especially helpful. Light and compact they are portable enough to take to the shops. They can be used for reading food labels and prescriptions, scanning menus and reading books.

Optical magnifiers

Optical magnifiers include magnifiers that come in a range of styles, sizes and magnifications. Optical magnifiers are glass objects used to enlarge text. They are widely used and inexpensive. Some are telescopic, handheld or on stands. Others come attached to a lamp with a magnification device. They can be handy for doing needlework, reading and near tasks.

High-powered glasses

High-powered glasses can be used for magnifying and focusing on near objects or things from a distance. These glasses can have an adjustable lens and varying magnification. They can help a person do near viewing activities like read small labels or watch a movie at the cinema.

Screen magnification software

Screen magnification software is available that enlarges the size of an image displayed on a computer screen. You can magnify a highlighted area with your mouse or keyboard. Screen reader programs translate text on a screen to a voice synthesiser, which produces the text as speech and reads it back to you.