Technology can Help Reduce the Impact of Vision Loss
There are many tools and technology options that can reduce the impact of vision loss, and help you to continue to be independent in your home and community.
Many children and adults with a vision loss will use technology everyday. Sometimes it will be the same technology everyone uses, and sometimes it will be especially designed for people with vision loss. Individual needs and technology will change over time so it is useful to keep up to date. Many different options can be found through contacting your local blindness organisation or through an internet search.
Low vision optical devices
Low vision optical devices use lenses to magnify images so that objects or print appear larger to the eye. Examples include;
- magnifying reading glasses,
- stand magnifiers,
- hand-held magnifiers, and
- small pocket-sized telescopes.
These special optical devices are different from regular glasses and magnifiers. It is helpful to think of low vision optical aids as specific tools for specific uses. These are not intended as all-purpose aids. It is critical that someone with low vision gets the correct magnifier at the correct strength so do seek professional advice.
Non-optical devices
Non-optical devices and modifications do not use lenses to magnify images. Instead, they increase lighting levels, improve contrast, decrease the effects of glare, or increase print size to make objects and print more easily visible. There are hundreds of devices that can help people with low vision manage their everyday living tasks.
Examples include;
- high-intensity table or floor lamps,
- large print reading materials,
- electronic video magnifiers, and
- iPads and tablets.
Absorptive lenses are sunglasses that filter out ultraviolet and infrared light, reduce glare, and increase contrast. Non-optical devices can also be used in combination with magnifiers and other low-vision optical devices.
Job training and vocational rehabilitation services
To help you to gain and retain employment, organisations such as Vision Australia can help with job training and vocational rehabilitation services, placement, workplace adaptations, and workplace technology.
Note: Vision Australia can be contacted on 1800 220 679