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What are Low Vision Devices?
There is a wide variety of optical devices and adaptive products available to
help people with low vision live and/or work more productively and safely. Most
people can be helped with one or more of them. Unfortunately, only about 20-25
percent of those who could benefit have been seen by a low vision specialist and
had treatment options, including low vision devices, prescribed specifically for
them. The more commonly prescribed devices are:
- Spectacle-mounted magnifiers – A magnifying lens is mounted in the
individual's spectacles or on a special headband. This allows use of both hands
to complete the close-up task, such as reading.
- Spectacle-mounted telescopes – These miniature telescopes are useful for
seeing longer distances, such as across the room to watch television, and can
also be modified for near (reading) tasks.
- Hand-held and stand magnifiers – Serve as supplementary aids. They are
convenient for reading such things as price tags, labels, and instrument dials.
Both types can be equipped with lights.
- Electro-optical aids – Closed-circuit television (also called CCTVs) enlarge
reading material on a video screen. Some are portable, while some can be
connected to a computer. The user can adjust the image brightness, size,
contrast and background illumination.
In addition, there are numerous
other products to assist those with low vision, such as large-type books,
magazines, and newspapers, books-on-tape, talking wristwatches, self-threading
needles, and more.
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