Low Vision News and Products
Portable Illuminated Stand Magnifier Is
Handy and Features Long Battery Life
DANBURY, Conn., 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.
Large Fresnel Stand Magnifier Can Be Turned Vertically or Horizontally
CHERRY HILL, N.J., 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
GENEVA, 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?
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
RIDGEFIELD, Conn., 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
VISTA, Calif., 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
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., 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.
Boost: An Affordable Magnifier That's Easy To Use, Even for Children
ROSEVILLE, Minn., September 2010 — The Boost Personal Video Magnifier is designed for both children and adults with low vision.
According to its manufacturer, AbleNet, the device is easy to use: just position it about one inch above the reading material and adjust the magnification as needed, with one button.
It magnifies up to 17 times in full color, white on black or black on white. With the image freeze button, you can take a picture of the material so you can then look at it more closely.
The Boost has a hard-plastic case and 3.5-inch glass LCD screen; it runs on an Li-ion battery but also comes with a power supply adapter.
With a suggested retail price of $199 in the United States, the Boost is affordable for many, though in some cases insurance may cover it.
You can buy the AbleNet Boost online or order through your eye doctor.
Please click here for a closeup photo.
Lighthouse International Debuts Online Store
NEW YORK, August 2010 — Lighthouse International has launched an online store of its vision-friendly products. The store offers talking watches, large-face clocks, large-print books, magnifying mirrors, glare-free lighting, mobility canes and other household and personal items.
Also available in the store are computer software and accessories to make computer use easier, as well as CCTV, electronic readers and handheld magnifiers. The store is located at shop.lighthouse.org.
Lighthouse International has been offering these products in its Lighthouse Store in Manhattan since 1992 but opened the online store to make shopping easier for more people. In addition, customers can use the website to suggest products they would like stocked.
A non-profit organization, Lighthouse International is devoted to the problem of vision loss and offers clinical and rehabilitation services, research, advocacy and more. Proceeds of the store help fund these programs.
SideKick Flip-Up UV Absorptive Filters for
Better Contrast and Glare Control
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., July 2010 — For certain visual impairments, eyewear with absorptive filters can increase your visual acuity and eye comfort.
To address this need, Cocoons has launched SideKick, a line of flip-up clip-on light filters that attach easily to your existing prescription eyeglasses.
SideKicks are convenient and inexpensive. Unlike other clip-on lenses, they wrap around both above and to the sides of your eyes, for extra protection and peripheral vision.
SideKicks are available in three sizes and have scratch-resistant filters with tints including lemon, boysenberry, orange, smoke and hazelnut. All provide 100 percent UVA/UVB protection.
The lemon filter maximizes brightness and enhances contrast in low light conditions to improve visual acuity. It blocks 40 percent of blue light. The boysenberry filter has a darker tint for glare control and blocks 90 percent of blue light.
The orange filter enhances contrast by intensifying backgrounds, and it blocks 100 percent of blue light. The hazelnut filter reduces glare, heightens contrast and blocks 98 percent of blue light. The smoke filter has a neutral tint for bright light that provides natural color definition and contrast.
The company strongly suggests that, before buying, you ask your eye care practitioner which lens tint will work best for your eye condition and activities. Some of the filters work well both indoors and outdoors, but others are for either indoor or outdoor use.
SideKicks are available at optical stores and other authorized dealers. Please click here for a closeup photo.
Pebble 4.3 Portable Magnifier Has Larger Screen and Other Upgrades
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., July 2010 — Low vision doesn't have to keep you at home. With the Pebble 4.3 handheld electronic magnifier, you can read menus, prescription labels, price tags and more while shopping or eating out.
The bright, high-resolution 4.3" LCD screen magnifies from 2X to 10X, with a choice of 28 video viewing modes, so you can choose the colors and contrast that work best for you.
A "freeze image" feature lets you take a screen shot of an object or words and then easily magnify them and change the color contrast. A built-in light source has an on/off option for reduced glare.
The Pebble 4.3 from Enhanced Vision is an upgraded version of the Pebble 3.5. It has a foldable handle with a comfort grip, two hours of battery life, rechargeable batteries, a carrying case and a two-year warranty.
You can order the Pebble 4.3 through an eye care professional, and you can get more information about it by calling (888) 811-3161.
Lighted Magnifier Is Ergonomically Designed
RIDGEFIELD, Conn., June 2010 — The Powerlux may look like a computer mouse, but really it's an illuminated stand magnifier.
Its unique, ergonomic shape is designed to provide a relaxed hand position when you use it over a long period of time.
The Powerlux works whether you're left- or right-handed: you just move it across your reading material. Because the lens is located close to the hand position, it helps you keep your place while reading.
You also can use it for small writing tasks such as signing documents or doing crossword puzzles.
The lens provides 5x magnification and is lit with two SMD LED lights. You can choose from cool blue or warm yellow lights, which shut off automatically after 30 minutes, for longer battery life.
The Powerlux magnifier by Eschenbach is available from magnifier stores and online, as well as through eye care professionals.
Sculptures Developed as Math Teaching Tools for Visually Impaired Kids
CHAMPAIGN, Ill., April 2010 — Visually impaired children often have more difficulty learning math than other children and are ultimately unable to pursue careers that require advanced math knowledge. With that in mind, legally blind art student Sheila Schneider is creating small sculptures with mathematical equations imprinted on them in Nemeth Code, a form of Braille used for scientific symbols.
Teachers will use the sculptures as educational tools, possibly replacing the use of abacuses, which have been used traditionally to teach math to visually impaired kids.
"We're trying to bring the education of visually impaired children more up to date, rather than relying on staid methods of doing things," Schneider said in a press release. "We're hoping to eliminate this idea that blind children have to learn math with an abacus because they can't see to write on a piece of paper. We're trying to eliminate the stigma and provide them with a method of engaging in and with math.
"We're hoping that as they grow older, they'll become more interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields."
Models of the sculptures are shown here. After further refinements, they will be cast in bronze and used in lessons to determine their effectiveness as teaching tools.
Schneider studies at the School of Art+Design within the College of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Illinois.
Optelec Introduces New Pocket-Size Video Magnifier
SAN DIEGO, February 2010 — A new, pocket-size video magnifier by Optelec makes spot reading quick and easy for low vision users. At only 4.7 ounces, the Optelec Compact Mini is the smallest and lightest portable electronic magnifier on the market, says the company.
With a 3.5" LCD screen, the device can magnify text from 2X to 11X. Different color viewing modes include full color, black on white, white on black, yellow on blue and yellow on black.
Users can operate the magnifier with one hand, using its fingertip controls.
A collapsible reading stand increases functionality for reading and writing.
The device features an automatic battery shutoff for increased battery life and can run for three to four hours of continuous use.
Each new magnifier comes with a wrist strap and protective bag.
The Optelec Compact Mini is available at Optelec dealers and distributors, including eye doctors who specialize in low vision.
Please click here for a closeup photo. 
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[Page updated December 9, 2011]
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