What visual aids are helpful?

There are many devices available to aid visually impaired people. The simplest passive devices are magnifying lenses, some versions of these are set into spectacle frames so you can hold an object or book with both hands without having to fumble with a lens as well. There are also small telescopes and monoculars which are helpful for reading street signs and train schedule boards.

The best active devices are the units with a TV camera and video screen. These can make just about anything readable, even the finest print.  The latest version is called The View. There are now hand held portable versions of thesesuch as the Strix and Pico. All these units are very expensive but older models are readily available second hand. You can usually find these in the for sale section of the Vision Australia newsletter..

There are some very good programs available for enlarging the size of computer displays. If you can't afford programs like Jaws or Zoom Text, try Virtual Magnifying Glass. It is a free download and can be just as helpful as the expensive software packages. If you need to use magnifying software on several computers, check out iZoom2go. If this is too expensive for you, consider the offer below.