|
Aids
for low vision
Fortunately, the range of products available to assist with
day to day activities if you have less than adequate vision
is improving all the time.
Alarm
clocks
Keep track of the time and make sure you don't oversleep, with
an alarm clock with a number of clever features. They are available
with an analogue face, which has large, clear numerals, and
also shows the time in digital format. They can speak the time
in response to the press of a button, and have an audible alarm
function. You can programme it to announce the time every hour,
if you wish.
A talking wristwatch which combines a clear analogue face with
a 'speak the time' function is also helpful. These are available
in both analogue and digital versions and in both men's and
women's styles. Spoken feedback assists with setting the correct
time.
Calculators
Many pocket calculators are so small and fiddly, it is next
to impossible for any but the most nimble fingered and acute
eyed to use them! Apart from large clear buttons, there are
calculators available that also speak both the input figures
and the results. On the subject of fiddly buttons, a programmable
remote control is available which can be used to replace up
to four standard remotes with large clear buttons and an illuminated
key pad for ease of use.
Writing
Make writing as easy as possible: position yourself in good
light; use a bold, black ink pen, so that you get maximum contrast
for easier legibility; a notepad with raised or bold guidelines
will make it easier to keep straight! There are large print
and Braille versions of diaries, calendars and address books,
to help keep you organised; tactile and recordable greetings
cards, to help you keep in touch.
If you're finding it more difficult to handle a conventional
pen, there are a couple of alternatives. A contoured ballpoint
which needs very little pressure, and can be weighted with sand
for those with a shaky hand or holders that are made from soft
PVC and fit over any normal sized pen or pencil, making them
easier to grip.Express
Chemist
Reading
Good daylight is the best for reading and detailed tasks - but
it isn't always available! A portable daylight lamp which folds
for travelling means that you can always have the right kind
of light where you need it. Reading may be easier with a book
holder, to save tired arms, and keep the book open at the right
page.
Anyone who is bedridden may find it easier to read with the
assistance of a book-holder/stand, which holds the book or magazine
overhead at a convenient angle, or prism glasses, which enable
you to watch TV or read without craning your neck. These can
be worn with prescription glasses, if necessary.
Magnifying aids can also help with reading: a magnifying sheet;
a hand-held lens; or a hands-free lens, which leaves both hands
free to work at intricate tasks.
Eye
Products and Magnifiers
Hobbies
If you enjoy playing cards -it may be easier to handle larger
cards (7" x 4.5"); standard-sized cards with enlarged
and/or simplified motifs are helpful for those with impaired
vision. A card holder which takes large or standard-sized cards
can be useful for holding and sorting your hand.Express
Chemist
There
is a wide range of games available in versions that are tactile,
large scale and/or with good colour contrast, to enable everyone
to join in the fun. From chess and backgammon to ludo and monopoly,
there's something to suit every taste.
Needleworkers
who struggle with threading needles may find a threader for
hand sewing needles or for machine needles useful. Make sure
that you choose scissors that are easy to handle too.Express
Chemist
Anyone working with small, fiddly items, such as postage stamps,
may welcome the help of tweezers with an integral magnifying
lens.
Useful low vision link
Sense
- Hearing & Sight loss
|
site is always being updated