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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.
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.
Playing Card Holder
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.
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
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