Types of Low Vision Devices

• Non-optical devices -- for example, OTT-Light or large print books.
• Near-vision optical magnification -- for example, a hand magnifier used for reading.
• Distance-vision optical magnification -- for example, telescopic glasses used for watching television.
• Electronic magnification -- for example, CCTV or computer magnifiers like ZoomText or Zoomware.
• Text-to-speech readers -- for example, Jaws, ZoomText Reader, or Mac OS X.
• Optical character recognition (OCR) -- electronic translation of text or writing to a computer

Catalogs for Low Vision Products

• Independent Living Aids Inc: Browse this large collection of talking watches, magnifiers, and other low vision aids.
• Dynamic Living: Search a wide variety of products intended to make navigating around your house easier to do.
• Bernell: Shop these low-cost low vision alternatives.
• LS&S Products: Peruse this great selection of low vision aids, daily living aids, and information resources to make independent living a real possibility.
• Beyond Sight: Find the low-vision products you need at the largest retail store of blind and low-vision products in the country.
• Maxi Aids: Check out this superstore of assistive devices for people with low vision.
• Enable Mart: Shop for video magnifiers, braille displays, embossers, Daisy players, and more from top brands such as ZoomText, Window Eyes, and Reliant.
• Quintex: Visit the leading provider of magnification systems for people with low vision in the Carolinas.
• Cocoons: Browse for sunglasses that are tailored to your low vision needs.

Optical Magnifiers

• How to Choose a Magnifier to Do the Right Job: Get information about how to choose the right magnifier for your specific vision needs. View a chart that lays it out clearly.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

• Text Cloner Pro: A scanning package that bridges the gap between the physical and electronic world for individuals who use screen readers.

Magnifiers, Optical

• Handheld Illuminated Magnifiers: These handheld magnifiers allow you flexibility when trying to read small print.
• Illuminated Magnifier: This desktop magnifier illuminates the text as you read.
• Selsi Magnifiers: Choose from a selection of handheld, optical magnifiers.

Telescopic and Microscopic Eyeglasses

Duke Low Vision Lab sells prescription telescopic eyeglasses.

Listed below are other sources for prescription and for off-the-shelf standard telescopic glasses.

Prescription

• Low Vision Telescope: Use a low vision telescope that’s small, portable, and easy to use.
• Mini-Telescope Implants May Save Vision Damaged by Eye Disease: Learn about new miniature telescope-like devices that can be implanted into patients whose eyes have been damaged by eye disease.

No Prescription

• Telescopic Premium Magnifier Loupes: These magnifying glasses let you adjust each lens to the magnitude that you need to see most clearly.
• Eschenback MaxDetail Glasses: Wear these portable glasses the magnify your vision by twice as much.
• Monoculars/Sports Glasses: See better with these easily adjustable monoculars.
• Hands-Free Magnifiers: Use these magnifiers like binoculars to bring distant activities in focus and keep your hands free.
• Economy 2.8X Clip-On Monocular: This clip-on monocular clips onto your glasses and let’s one of your eyes focus intensely on an object.
• Galilean Systems for Distance and for Near: Choose the system you need to help improve your very specific eye problem.

Learn more about resources available for people with low vision:

• Low Vision Information and Support Resources
• Proper Nutrition and Eye Care
• Financial Aid for Assistive Technologies
• Local Resources for Transportation
• Computer Usage and Low Vision