• Small Standard Large
• Print

...continued from Low Vision News and Products

Portable Illuminated Stand Magnifier Is Handy and
Features Long Battery Life

December 2011 — The MenasLux stand magnifier combines a bright, illuminated magnifier with higher magnification than is found in many other similar devices.

It offers 3x magnification, vs. the usual 2x, and the lens diameter is 2.5 inches. It is lighter than most other illuminated magnifiers, because it needs only one AA battery.

According to its manufacturer, Eschenbach, the LEDs in the MenasLux provide very bright light, last 10,000 hours and use less battery energy so the batteries last longer.

Included is a drawstring pouch that also serves as a cleaning cloth. Please click here for a closeup photo.

LifeStyle High-Definition Video Magnifier Designed To Provide Sharper Images, for Faster Reading

November 2011 — The new LifeStyle HD desktop video magnifier offers a wider field of view and increased color definition compared with standard-definition devices, according to its manufacturer, HIMS.

The high-definition screen is designed to display a sharper text image, too.

The company says this can speed up reading because more text can be displayed at a smaller size.

The magnifier comes in 22-inch and 19-inch wide-screen LCD models, with a magnification range of 2X to 84X.

Please click here for another photo.

Large Fresnel Stand Magnifier Can Be Turned Vertically or Horizontally

August 2011 — This convenient stand magnifier by Task-Vision offers a bright, clear lens made of ophthalmic plastic that you can use for reading, writing, computer screen enlargement, crafts and other close-up activities.

The lens power is 2X, and the lens measures 10 inches by 12 inches, for a large viewing area. You can also turn the lens horizontally or vertically as needed, with the flexible neck that the manufacturer says holds firmly in place once adjusted.

The coated clip swivels 180 degrees, and the base of the stand is weighted for stability.

The Fresnel stand magnifier is available through catalogs, online and in certain optical stores.

First-Ever World Report on Disability Covers Low Vision
and Other Disabilities

June 2011 — Did you know that more than a billion people worldwide have some kind of disability? And about 314 million have impaired vision, with 45 million of these blind?

Please click here to download a PDF of the World Report on Disability.

If you'd like more insight into the world of low vision, blindness and other physical and mental disabilities, read the just-released World Report on Disability.

Produced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, the report is full of interesting facts and recommendations for policy reforms to provide disabled people with the services they need and the dignity they deserve.

The report covers issues in health care, rehabilitation, education, employment and accessibility. It is a fascinating look at how societies and governments around the globe are dealing with (and as often ignoring) these difficult issues, and it includes personal comments from disabled people about the challenges they face in everyday life.

WHO has stated that the report will contribute significantly to implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It is a great read, and you can download a free PDF or order a hardcover copy here.

Mobilux Digital Video Magnifier Uses New Technology
for Bright, Crisp Display

February 2011 — If you're looking for a portable digital video magnifier that provides a crisp, crystal-clear image, the Mobilux Digital may fill the bill.

This is the first video magnifier to feature an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, according to manufacturer Eschenbach Optik. AMOLED displays are used in newer mobile phones and media players, as well as some TVs.

Eschenbach also says it has the highest-contrast image, the fastest image processing and best resolution of any other similar device on the market. Faster image processing means less ghosting, smearing or fading of the image when you move the device.

You can also see the image from an angle of up to 170 degrees, meaning you don't have to be directly over the screen to see the image clearly.

The Mobilux Digital has either 3x or 6x magnification and three viewing modes. A 2.0 megapixel camera and freeze-frame function let you take a picture of something and bring the image up close to see it better. An auto-off feature preserves the battery life by turning off the device if it's not moved after eight minutes. Please click here for a closeup photo.

ClearReader+ Is a Portable Text-to-Speech Reader

December 2010 — Here's a text reader that can scan printed material and read it aloud to you, in just a few seconds.

The Optelec ClearReader+ uses fast optical character recognition and text-to-speech recognition technology in a compact, portable design with a foldable carrying handle.

You just place the printed material under the camera and listen.

The high-resolution camera is mounted on an arm that swings back into the unit when not in use.

The ClearReader+ uses a battery that lasts for five hours of continuous use. Speech is multilingual, and headphones and a carrying case also are available. Please click here for a closeup photo.

Transformer USB Magnifies Images for Display on Your Laptop Screen

November 2010 — When it comes to digital low vision magnifiers, adaptability is key. And that's what Enhanced Vision's new Transformer USB is all about.

The Transformer USB connects to your laptop computer's USB port to display your reading material or other images on the screen.

Since the camera rotates 330 degrees, it can capture images lying flat on a table or across the room, such as on a whiteboard. You can even turn the camera to view yourself.

The Transformer USB can also capture and store images for viewing later. It has 28 custom color select modes and on/off LED lighting, a memory setting for each camera position and magnification of up to 30x.

Installation is easy, because the device uses auto-install, plug-and-play software. It's compatible with popular magnification software and the latest Windows operating systems.

The device uses a battery that lasts up to four hours. It folds up compactly and comes with a soft carrying case and cloth sleeve, plus a two-year warranty.

Please click here for a brief slide show of closeup photos.

Back to page 1 of What's New in Low Vision

[Page updated May 2013]